Gem Profile- Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli, or simply "lapis," has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 and a density of about 2.7, making it a favorite for lapidary work.

Its rich blue color comes primarily from lazurite, with contributions from hauynite, noselite, and sodalite, and occasional inclusions of calcite, feldspar, diopside, and mica.

The sparkling "stars" often seen in lapis are iron pyrite. Because of its sulfur content, lapis can produce an unpleasant odor when cut.

Like most stones, lapis should be worked wet and with good ventilation. Depending on the amount of pyrite present, lapis takes a beautiful polish. Top-grade lapis is known as "royal" lapis.


Rough Lapis Lazuli, photographed wet (left) and dry (right). Private collection, Dale Armstrong.

Chilean Lapis

Most of this variety is not as rich in blue as "royal" lapis. It often contains streaks of white or gray from calcite and may have spots with a greenish tint. To improve its appearance, this lapis is frequently dyed and sold at a lower price.

Lapis in this region has been mined for over 2,000 years by pre-Columbian cultures, including the Incas, who used it for small statues and to embellish ceremonial masks.

In 1984, lapis lazuli was declared the official "National Stone" of Chile. Due to harsh mountain conditions and weather, mining only occurs during the short two-month summer season.


Acceptable, better and best. C Grade lapis beads left, B Grade Lapis cabochons center, A Grade lapis cabs right.

Siberian Lapis This lapis comes from the harsh mountains of Russia and can only be mined under favorable conditions, making minerals from the Ural Mountains relatively rare. There are conflicting reports about its color-some sources say it is as deep blue as Afghan specimens, while others describe it as pale with white inclusions.

All sources agree that Ural lapis contains abundant pyrite inclusions. Based on this, I believe the solid material used to carve the six-foot-tall urn I saw in the Hermitage last year likely came from Afghanistan.

As I've mentioned in other Gem Profiles, the Hermitage is a lapidary's dream, filled with ornaments and structures carved from solid precious and semi-precious gem materials.

This lovely urn was carved from a solid chunk of Lapis Lazuli and is on display at "Catherine's Palace", The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.

"Royal" Lapis Lazuli Considered the most valuable lapis, deep royal blue with minimal white streaks or pyrite, has been mined in what is now Badakhshan Province since prehistoric times, likely the Neolithic Age. The main mine, Sar-i-Sang (or Sar-e-Sang), is believed to have supplied most of the exquisite lapis used in statuary, jewelry, and other ornaments found in Egyptian tombs and archaeological digs.

This shows that ancient Sumerians and Egyptians treasured this beautiful gem long before modern times.

Unfortunately, because of its value, Sar-i-Sang has been the focus of ongoing conflict over control. There are also concerns that lapis from this region may be used to fund arms.

To learn more, check out Lapis Lazuli by my friend David Federman, who is always up-to-date on gemstone issues worldwide.

Lapis Lazuli pendant wrapped by Janet Crane in a mix of sterling silver and gold-filled wire, with Swarovski crystal beads.

Another notable historical figure with a specific use for lapis was Queen Cleopatra VII.

She had her servants mix finely powdered lapis with a fluid possibly oil or beeswax and apply it as her signature eyeshadow. Lapis was also thought to be an aphrodisiac, which may have added to her allure.

Lapis holds the distinction of being one of the oldest stones used in wearable jewelry, including early "wire" jewelry.

The deep royal blue stone was often reserved for nobility as a symbol of royalty.

For excellent reference, see Peter Bancroft's Gem & Crystal Treasures, particularly the excerpt on Afghan lapis lazuli.

Alexander the Great is credited with introducing lapis to Europe.

There, artisans discovered that finely powdered lapis could be used as a paint pigment, producing a vibrant blue called ultramarine.

This pigment became a prized status symbol for Renaissance artists. Lapis continues to be used today for special dyes and other decorative purposes.

Fine example of ancient Egyptian use of lapis. (J. Bodsworth)

Ancient Mesopotamia, encompassing present-day Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, is the setting for many events described in the Bible. In Exodus, the breastplate of judgment for the high priest Aaron was commanded to include a "sapphire" cabochon.

Because any blue stone could be called "sapphire" in ancient times, historians believe the stone mentioned was likely lapis lazuli.

As Walter Schumann notes in Gemstones of the World, "In antiquity and as late as the Middle Ages, the name sapphire was understood to mean what is today described as lapis lazuli."

A nice example of carved B grade Lapis Lazuli (with pyrite) carved into a statue of Buddha, next to a statuette of "Sodalite." Private collection, Skye Thompson.

Lapis Treatments and Quality

Denim Lapis: This is a trade name for a lapis variety far inferior to royal lapis, named mainly for marketing. When I was younger and learning to hunt rocks, we were told to call this material a "leaverite," meaning "leave it right there." Denim lapis is popular with younger collectors because it resembles faded blue denim, but in my view, it doesn't qualify as a true gem-rock.

When shopping for lapis lazuli, be aware that material from Chile and other locations is often dyed. Inferior lapis may also be waxed or oiled to deepen the color.

Look-alikes include howlite, dolomite, jasper, quartzite, sodalite, dyed marble, ceramic, and even glass. Reconstituted lapis is made by crushing natural rock, adding bonding agents (and sometimes dye), then processing it into blocks that can be cut, carved, or made into beads.

Some lapidaries only buy rough lapis with visible white or pyrite, ensuring the material is genuine. Pieces without pyrite and priced cheaply are most likely not real lapis, even if they look appealing.


Cindy Albers wire wrapped this lapis lazuli cabochon and complementing sapphire CZs into a pendant.