Lapis Lazuli

This beautiful opaque blue stone attracted humans since ancient times; It has been used in many famous ornamental pieces since early history including the mask of the pharaoh Tutankhamen. It has been worn for the protection of evil. Typical inclusions in genuine lapis are the brassy pyrite speckles and streaks of calcite. Technical/details: Not a mineral but a rock which is complex aggregate (mixture) of other minerals: Hauynite (NaCa)4 8(S3So2)1 2(Al6Si6O24) Sodalite Na8Cl2(Al6Si6O24) Noselite Na8(SO2)(Al6Si6O24) Lapis is a dark blue micro-crystalline rock composed primarily of the mineral lazurite. It often sparkles with golden pyrite inclusions. The name is international, from the Latin, lapis, which means stone, and from the Arabic, azul, which means blue. Lapis is a beautiful royal blue stone often associated with royalty. It is most often seen as a necklace of beads or carved pendants. Colors:Dark blue possibly with white spots of calcite. It often has specks of pyrite which look like gold. Care and Treatment:Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color. Pierre Gilson Lapis is one of the better imitations. Lapis has been imitated by dyed Jasper and by paste with inclusions of copper. Lapis Lazuli can easily be scratched or chipped. Water will dissolve it's protective coatings Hardness : Lapis Lazuli has a hardness rating of 5.5. Specific Gravity: 2.75 to 2.9 Where Found: Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Russia and the United States.