Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli From Afghanistan 1.80CT

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue, semi-precious metamorphic rock prized since antiquity for its intense, celestial color. It is composed primarily of lazurite (which gives it its vibrant blue hue), white calcite, and shimmering pyrite flakes (fool's gold). 

• Color: Highly saturated royal, indigo, or midnight blue. 
• Inclusions: Gold-colored pyrite flecks are highly valued when evenly distributed; however, large white calcite streaks lower the stone's value. 
• Durability: It is a relatively soft stone, ranking between 5.5 and 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it better suited for pendants, earrings, and brooches rather than daily-wear rings. 

• Jewelry & Carvings: Typically cut into smooth, domed cabochons or beads for custom pendants and bracelets.
• Historical Significance: Mined for over 7,000 years. It was a symbol of royalty in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• Art: Historically crushed into a pigment called "ultramarine" for use in classical paintings.