Lapis lazuli

Q: What is Lapis lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is an ancient metamorphic rock composed primarily of the blue mineral lazurite, with gold pyrite flecks and white calcite patches, prized since at least 6,000 years ago and traded across the ancient world from its primary source in the Sar-e-Sang mines of Badakhshan, Afghanistan. The in

Q: What is the hardness of Lapis lazuli?

Lapis lazuli has a Mohs hardness of 5.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.

Q: What color is Lapis lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is primarily Blue.

Q: Where is Lapis lazuli found?

Lapis lazuli is found in Jegdalek (Afghanistan).

Q: How much does Lapis lazuli cost?

Lapis lazuli falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

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Physical & Optical Properties

Category Semi-Precious Gems

Mohs Hardness 5.5

Specific Gravity 2.5 – 3.0

Refractive Index 1.5 – 1.67

Crystal System Isometric

Luster Vitreous,Greasy

Cleavage Indistinct

Fracture Conchoidal

Color blue

Pleochroism Absent

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 5.5

1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

Value & Market

Price Tier Budget (< $50/ct)

Where to Buy Lapis lazuli

Blue Nile Fine jewelry retailer

James Allen Gemstone jewelry

Brilliant Earth Ethically sourced gems

Amazon Wide selection

Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cultural Significance

Birthstone Month 9 (alternative)

Treatments

Common imitations: dyed magnesite, dyed jasper, dyed howlite, sodalite - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 8 5.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 2.50 to 3.00Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references IndistinctWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) 1.500 to 1.670Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) AbsentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Lazur blue, violet, greenish-blueWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references OpaqueWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Vitreous,GreasyWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Strong: white, also orange, copper-colouredWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) May show a pinkish responseMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) Orangy to pinkish spots (calcite)Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references IsometricWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Rare; dense aggregatesWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Occurs mainly in association with leucite or nepheline in nepheline syenites, phonolites and related undersaturated igneous rocks.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) Pyrite inclusions, spots and veins of calcite - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 8 Lapis lazuli information at mindat.org Afghanistan  Bowersox and Chamberlin (1995) Asia  Spiridonov (1998) Chile  Ward (1996) Myanmar  Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Russia  Spiridonov (1998) Tajikistan  USA 

About Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is an ancient metamorphic rock composed primarily of the blue mineral lazurite, with gold pyrite flecks and white calcite patches, prized since at least 6,000 years ago and traded across the ancient world from its primary source in the Sar-e-Sang mines of Badakhshan, Afghanistan. The intense ultramarine blue of lapis lazuli was historically ground to produce the most prized pigment of medieval and Renaissance painting—natural ultramarine—used by masters including Vermeer and Michelangelo. Today it is fashioned into cabochons, beads, and carvings and remains one of the most culturally significant gemstones in human history.