Blue Gem Stone Lapis Lazuli

It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth.

Blue gem stone lapis lazuli.

The most desirable specimens have a rich solid blue color and perhaps a few reflective pieces of gold pyrite. Lapis lazuli is an opaque gemstone which is primarily blue but with white or golden streaks caused by the presence of other minerals. As early as the 7th millennium bce lapis lazuli was mined in the sar i sang mines in shortugai and in other mines in badakhshan province in northeast afghanistan. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue opaque gemstone used in antiquity and continuously used throughout the generations.

Lapis lazuli artifacts. Lapis lazuli ˈ l æ p ɪ s ˈ l æ zj ʊ l i l aɪ or lapis for short is a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. Lapis lazuli is an affordable gemstone but truly fine lapis lazuli stones are still quite rare. It may occur in multi kilogram sized pieces but top grade lapis lazuli of even 10 to 20 carats cut is rare.

The gold flecks caused by pyrite can be very attractive and will not lower the price unlike white streaks caused by calcite. Lapis lazuli is one of the most sought after stones in use since man s history began. Introduction to the meaning and uses of lapis lazuli. What price is lapis lazuli.

It still continues to be popular today and remains one of the most important opaque gemstones. Lower grades may go for 1 per carat or lower while the higher grades may reach 100 to 150 per carat. Lapis lazuli is chiefly composed of the mineral lazurite with additional other minerals including white calcite and sparkling specks of.