Lazurite is known by several different names in the gem world and is widely known as lapis lazuli or lapis lazuli or, in ancient times, blue rock. This stone should never be confused with lazulite valued as a semi-precious gemstone for many thousands of years, this stone is prized for its deep blue, almost blue color. This is a soft stone so care must be taken when wearing or cleaning jewelry pieces. Gem cutters are not very enthusiastic about cutting lapis lazuli in the rough, as it gives off a very unpleasant sulfurous smell, much like rotten eggs. Lapis lazuli is most often found in varying shades of blue to blue, and occasionally yellow or translucent stones can be seen. Lapis lazuli has been a part of ancient royalty and is unique in its color and alternate uses.

History

With a history dating back over six thousand years, this stone dates back to the ancient kingdoms of Babylon and Persia. Ancient cultures very often associated the brilliant deep blue color with the blue of the skies. It was very common in ancient times, until the early 18th century, to grind less desirable stones into a fine powder that was used as pigments for paints and plasters. Many famous works of art from the Renaissance period used ultramarine pigments, including paintings and frescoes. The substance created by the milling process was called ultramarine, which could be manufactured synthetically from the mid-19th century. The presence of contaminating minerals such as pyrite can be seen as gold flecks in the stone and these are less desirable specimens. The absence of discolorations can increase the appearance and value of the stones. Lapis lazuli can be found in California, Chile and Siberia and the best quality stones are said to come from Afghanistan.

Birthstone Information

Lazurite or lapis lazuli shares recognition with its blue cousin, sapphire, as the birthstone for the month of September and is associated with the astrological birth sign of Sagittarius.

New Age beliefs and powers through the ages

The ancient history of lapis lazuli has given rise to a wealth of mythology and folklore. Many of the ancients believed that the masters who possessed the stone had powers of persuasion and concentration of energy. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli as part of certain religious rites. The New Age community has attributed certain healing and metaphysical properties to lapis lazuli, including the ability to ward off depression and relieve aches and pains. Believed to promote higher levels of spirituality, the stone has earned a reputation for being very helpful during meditation practice.

artificial forms of improvement

There are no known methods to enhance the color or appearance of this stone.

Color

The stones are most often found in shades of blue, yellow, or colorless.

General scientific information

The chemical name (Na,CA)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)2 refers to Sodium Calcium Aluminum Silicate Sulfur Sulfate.

Hardness measures from 5.0 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale: The Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones, and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example, the hardness properties of Most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as do steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale and scores at a hard 10. For most consumers, hardness generally reflects that the stones are able to resist scratches and cracks.

No cleavage is found in the lapis lazuli.

The refractive index is 1.5 and generally indicates the purity of the stone.

The specific gravity ranges from 2.7 to 2.9.

The crystal system is isometric.