Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue rock with golden flecks of pyrite. The ancient Egyptians and Sumerians valued it more than gold, and the pigment ultramarine was made from it.
Properties #
- Composition: a rock made of lazurite (the blue), calcite and pyrite (the golden flecks)
- Hardness: between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Color: intense blue, sometimes with white veins of calcite.
- Origins: Afghanistan (Badakhshan) is the historic source; also Chile, Russia and Pakistan.
- Sensitivity: it is porous and sensitive to acids.
Uses in jewelry #
- Beads, cabochons and carved pieces.
- Ancient Egyptian jewelry (see ancient Egyptian jewelry).
- Earrings, pendants and rings.
Pros and cons #
Advantages #
- Unique, deep color.
- Long history and meaning.
- Affordable.
Limitations #
- It is soft and scratches.
- It is damaged by acids and prolonged water.
- Dyed imitations exist.
Care and cleaning #
- Clean with a soft cloth.
- Avoid prolonged water, perfume and acids.
- Store it apart from other jewelry.
See also #
This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
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