Global Gemstone Certification
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli
An aggregate gemstone, it is created from several different minerals. The main ones are pyrite, calcite, and lazurite. With golden pyrite freckles and deeply rich, blue, opaque quality, this stone is stunning. It is one of the most popular opaque stones available on the market today. By the middle ages, the gemstone was exported from Afghanistan to Europe. Here the mineral was used to create ultramarine. This was one of the finest and the most expensive blue pigments. It was used by various artists during the Renaissance.
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Chemical Formula |
The chief constituent Lapis Lazuli is Lazurite, with the following chemical formula: |
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Color |
Blue, Multicolored |
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Hardness |
5 – 5.5 |
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Crystal System |
Isometric |
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Refractive Index |
1.5 |
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SG |
2.4 – 2.5 |
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Transparency |
Opaque |
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Double Refraction |
None |
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Luster |
Vitreous to greasy |
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Cleavage |
3,6 |
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Mineral Class |
Rock that is mostly Lazurite with minor Calcite, Pyrite, and other minerals |