Ten Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Facts (September Stones)
Ten Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Facts
1. Lapis Lazuli Is a Rock, Not a Mineral
One of the most surprising facts about lapis lazuli is that it is not a single mineral. Instead, it is a metamorphic rock made up of several minerals. The most important is lazurite, which gives lapis its famous blue color.
It also commonly contains calcite, pyrite, sodalite, and other minerals in varying amounts. The exact mixture determines the appearance and quality of each piece.
2. It Has Been Mined for More Than 6,000 Years
The oldest known lapis lazuli mines are located in the Badakhshan region of northeastern Afghanistan. Archaeological evidence suggests these mines have been worked continuously for over six millennia, making them among the oldest gemstone mining sites in the world.
Even today, many of the world's finest lapis lazuli specimens still come from this historic region.
3. The Golden Specks Are Natural Pyrite
Many people mistake the tiny golden flecks in lapis lazuli for gold. They are actually crystals of pyrite, often called "fool's gold."
These sparkling inclusions formed naturally as the rock developed deep within the Earth's crust. A fine scattering of pyrite is generally considered attractive, although large patches can reduce the stone's value.
4. The Best Lapis Has Almost No White Calcite
High-quality lapis lazuli is prized for its rich, uniform royal or ultramarine blue color. White streaks or patches are caused by calcite, another mineral found within the rock.
While some calcite is perfectly natural, stones with very little visible white are generally considered the most valuable because their blue color appears deeper and more even.
5. Ancient Artists Ground It into an Expensive Blue Pigment
For centuries, lapis lazuli was crushed into powder and processed to produce the famous pigment known as ultramarine.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, ultramarine was often more expensive than gold because of the rarity of high-quality lapis and the complex process needed to refine it.
Artists such as Michelangelo, Vermeer, and Titian used ultramarine in some of their most celebrated paintings.
6. It Was Traded Across Ancient Civilizations
Long before modern transportation, lapis lazuli travelled thousands of kilometres along ancient trade routes.
Archaeologists have discovered Afghan lapis in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Greece, Rome, and even prehistoric Europe.
Its widespread distribution shows just how highly prized the stone was in the ancient world.
7. It Is Relatively Soft Compared with Many Gemstones
Lapis lazuli has a hardness of approximately 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it considerably softer than gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, or quartz.
Because it scratches more easily, lapis is best suited to jewelry that receives less wear, such as pendants, earrings, and brooches, or it should be worn with a little extra care in rings and bracelets.
8. Most Lapis Lazuli Is Opaque
Unlike transparent gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires, lapis lazuli is almost always opaque.
Light does not pass through it, and its beauty comes entirely from its vivid color, subtle patterns, and shimmering pyrite inclusions.
This distinctive appearance has made it popular for carvings, beads, inlay work, decorative objects, and jewelry throughout history.
9. It Is Sometimes Enhanced to Improve Its Appearance
Some lapis lazuli on the market is treated to enhance its color or hide lighter areas.
Common treatments include waxing, oiling, resin impregnation, or occasionally dyeing lower-quality material. These enhancements can improve the stone's appearance but should be disclosed by reputable sellers.
Untreated stones with naturally rich blue color are generally more desirable.
10. It Can Be Found in Several Countries
Although Afghanistan remains the world's most famous source, lapis lazuli is also mined in Chile, Russia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Canada, and the United States.
Each location tends to produce material with slightly different characteristics. For example, Chilean lapis often contains more visible calcite, while Afghan material is renowned for its intense blue color and fine quality.
September Gemstones ~ Sapphire Quiz
As you may know Sapphire is one of the gemstones of September together with Lapis Lazuli which both occur in deep blue. Here is a fun trivia quiz about this interesting gemstone.
No email is required - your score and the answers will come up here after you hit the Submit button :).
