Lapis lazuli
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Built chiefly from the blue mineral lazurite, with gold pyrite flecks and patches of white calcite, lapis lazuli is an ancient metamorphic rock prized for at least six thousand years and traded from the Sar-e-Sang mines of Badakhshan, Afghanistan, including the Jegdalek area. Its intense ultramarine blue was historically ground into the most valued pigment of medieval and Renaissance painting, natural ultramarine, used by masters such as Vermeer and Michelangelo. Its principal mineral is isometric, and the rock measures 5.5 on the Mohs scale, fashioned into cabochons, beads, and carvings. A budget-tier semi-precious stone of profound cultural importance, lapis is counted among the traditional birthstones for September.
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 | Reference mineral | Lapis lazuli |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | |
| 6 | Orthoclase | |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
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
青金石是一种以深邃蓝色著称的变质岩宝石，主要成分为青金石矿物，常含有黄铁矿（金色闪光）和方解石（白色纹理）。其浓艳的蓝色源于硫元素，是历史上最具声望的宝石材料之一，曾被用作祭祀品、图章和最珍贵的颜料（群青色）。阿富汗是青金石最重要的产地，其次为俄罗斯贝加尔湖地区和智利。顶级青金石色泽均一浓郁，少有杂质，是珠宝和艺术界的永恒经典。
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lapis lazuli?
青金石是一种以深邃蓝色著称的变质岩宝石，主要成分为青金石矿物，常含有黄铁矿（金色闪光）和方解石（白色纹理）。其浓艳的蓝色源于硫元素，是历史上最具声望的宝石材料之一，曾被用作祭祀品、图章和最珍贵的颜料（群青色）。阿富汗是青金石最重要的产地，其次为俄罗斯贝加尔湖地区和智利。顶级青金石色泽均一浓郁，少有杂质，是珠宝和艺术界的永恒经典。
What is the hardness of Lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli has a Mohs hardness of 5.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is primarily Blue.
Where is Lapis lazuli found?
Lapis lazuli is found in Jegdalek (Afghanistan).
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.