Blue Gem Stone Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is one of the most sought after stones in use since man s history began.

Blue gem stone lapis lazuli.

Lapis lazuli artifacts. Lapis lazuli also known simply as lapis is a blue metamorphic rock that has been used by people as a gemstone sculpting material pigment and ornamental material for thousands of years high quality lapis lazuli can be a costly gem. What is lapis lazuli. It still continues to be popular today and remains one of the most important opaque gemstones.

As early as the 7th millennium bce lapis lazuli was mined in the sar i sang mines in shortugai and in other mines in badakhshan province in northeast afghanistan. Lapis lazuli is an opaque gemstone which is primarily blue but with white or golden streaks caused by the presence of other minerals. It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth. Introduction to the meaning and uses of lapis lazuli.

Lapis lazuli is an affordable gemstone but truly fine lapis lazuli stones are still quite rare. The most desirable specimens have a rich solid blue color and perhaps a few reflective pieces of gold pyrite. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue opaque gemstone used in antiquity and continuously used throughout the generations. Lower grades may go for 1 per carat or lower while the higher grades may reach 100 to 150 per carat.

It may occur in multi kilogram sized pieces but top grade lapis lazuli of even 10 to 20 carats cut is rare. Lapis lazuli is chiefly composed of the mineral lazurite with additional other minerals including white calcite and sparkling specks of. Lapis lazuli ˈ l æ p ɪ s ˈ l æ zj ʊ l i l aɪ or lapis for short is a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color.