Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli (Rock aggregate consisting mainly of Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite) · Decorative Stone and Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Cubic (for individual mineral components like lazurite and pyrite; occurs as a massive rock aggregate)
Mineral Group
Silicates (specifically Feldspathoid group)
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)2 (Lazurite component)
Formation Process
Metamorphic, specifically contact metamorphism of limestone into skarn deposits
About This Crystal
Tumbled stone featuring a vibrant deep blue background mottled with white calcite patches and brassy golden pyrite flecks and veins, displaying a smooth polished surface and opaque transparency with a vitreous to greasy luster.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from deep royal blue to azure, with white calcite streaks and metallic golden pyrite; streak is light blue; cleavage is poor; fracture is uneven to conchoidal; specific gravity is 2.7 to 2.9; tenacity is brittle; often exhibits patchy or orange fluorescence under ultraviolet light due to accessory minerals.
Optical Properties
Refractive index is approximately 1.50 to 1.67; typically aggregate nature shows as isotropic or pseudo-isotropic under polariscope; non-pleochroic individually for components, but presents varied color interplay across the multicolored surface.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan; also found in Chile, Russia, and the USA
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5; moderate toughness but sensitive to scratching by harder gemstones; relatively poor durability for heavy wear rings due to softness of calcite and pyrite inclusions; reacts adversely to acids.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and acids (which can damage the calcite and pyrite); store separately from harder gems to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon to rare depending on quality; highest value is placed on uniform deep blue stones with minimal white calcite and well-distributed golden pyrite flecks; treated sometimes with wax or oil to enhance luster and color.
Special Characteristics
Characterized by its distinctive constellation of golden pyrite inclusions scattered throughout a rich blue matrix, resembling a starry night sky.
Lore & History
Highly prized since antiquity by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks, who used it for amulets, royal jewelry, and powdered ultramarine pigment; traditionally associated with wisdom, truth, and the third eye and throat chakras in modern crystal healing.