Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli (Rock, predominantly Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite) · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Cubic (mineral components form in isometric system, though lapis is a rock)
Mineral Group
Complex silicate rock containing tectosilicates and other mineral classes
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)1-2 (Lazurite as primary component)
Formation Process
Formed through contact metamorphism of limestone, typically associated with skarn deposits
About This Crystal
A polished cabochon displaying a deep, rich royal blue body color with characteristic white calcite veins and occasional golden pyrite flecks scattered throughout, featuring a vitreous to greasy luster and an opaque transparency.
Physical Characteristics
Deep royal blue to ultramarine color with a light blue streak; cleavage is poor to indistinct; fracture is uneven to conchoidal; specific gravity ranges from 2.5 to 3.0; tenacity is brittle; often exhibits patchy or mottled surface features due to multi-mineral composition.
Optical Properties
Isotropic (singly refractive) for the primary lazurite component; refractive index is approximately 1.50 to 1.54; displays no pleochroism due to the cubic system; can show irregular patches and inclusions of glittering golden pyrite.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan, alongside sources in Chile, Russia, and the USA
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5; toughness is fair to moderate; sensitive to acids, extreme heat, and harsh chemicals; requires care when worn in jewelry due to moderate softness and susceptibility to scratching.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, harsh household chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon to moderately rare depending on grade; high-quality material features deep uniform blue with minimal white calcite and well-distributed pyrite; price is generally affordable to moderate, and treatments like dyeing or wax impregnation are sometimes applied to lower-grade material.
Special Characteristics
Contains distinctive golden brassy pyrite inclusions that mimic the night sky, along with white calcite banding, creating unique natural patterns in every specimen.
Lore & History
Historically prized by ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks for amulets, royal ornaments, and ground into ultramarine pigment for master paintings. In modern crystal healing, it is traditionally associated with the Third Eye and Throat chakras, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and inner vision, though these are cultural beliefs and not scientific claims.