|
This beautiful opaque blue stone attracted humans since
ancient times; it has been used in many famous
ornamental pieces since early history including the mask
of the pharaoh Tutankhamen. It has been worn for the
protection of evil. Typical inclusions in genuine lapis
are the brassy pyrite speckles and streaks of calcite.
> technical/details
Not
a mineral but a rock which is complex aggregate
(mixture) of other minerals:
Hauynite (NaCa)4
8(S3So2)1 2(Al6Si6O24)
Sodalite
Na8Cl2(Al6Si6O24)
Noselite
Na8(SO2)(Al6Si6O24)
Lapis is a dark blue
microcrystalline rock composed primarily of the mineral
lazurite. It often sparkles with golden pyrite
inclusions. The name is international, from the Latin,
lapis, which means stone, and from the Arabic, azul,
which means blue. Lapis is a beautiful royal blue stone
often associated with royalty. It is most often seen as
a necklace of beads or carved pendants.
Colors
Dark blue possibly with
white spots of calcite. It often has specks of pyrite
which look like gold.
Care and Treatment
Lapis Lazuli is often
dyed to improve its color. Pierre Gilson Lapis is one of
the better imitations. Lapis has been imitated by dyed
Jasper and by paste with inclusions of copper.
Lapis Lazuli can easily
be scratched or chipped. Water will dissolve it's
protective coatings
Hardness
Lapis Lazuli has a
hardness rating of 5.5.
Specific Gravity: 2.75 to
2.9
Where Found
Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Canada,
Chile, and the United States. |
