Lapis Lazuli
The Emperor's Stone, symbolizing wisdom and truth.
📜 History and Stories
Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest gems in human civilization, with a history of over 6,500 years. In Ancient Egypt, it was considered a sacred stone, its deep blue color symbolizing the night sky, and its golden flecks symbolizing the stars. Lapis lazuli was used to create the eye shadow on the golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamen.
During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli was ground into the most expensive pigment of the time, ultramarine, which was even more valuable than gold. In Vermeer's famous painting "Girl with Pearl Earring", the touching blue color on the girl's headscarf comes from ultramarine.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
For thousands of years, the world's finest and most famous source of lapis lazuli has been Badakhshan, a province in northeastern Afghanistan. Lapis lazuli from here is famous for its unmatched deep blue color. Other sources include Chile, Siberia in Russia and Colorado in the United States, but the quality is usually not comparable to that of Afghanistan.
📍 Discover the Premier Producer: Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Mineral Types | Rock, not a single mineral |
| base | Azurite, Calcite, Pyrite |
| Mohs hardness | 5 - 6 |
| index of refraction | Approx. 1.50 |
| Structure | Opaque granular aggregates |
Lapis lazuli vs.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of lapis lazuli is determined primarily by the concentration and purity of its blue color, as well as the amount and distribution of calcite (white flecks) and pyrite (gold flecks) it contains.
1. Color
The most important factor. A rich, even violet or azure blue is the most valuable.
2. Pyrite
Gold nuggets that are absent or in small quantities are considered to be of high quality. Excessive or large nuggets will reduce the value.
3. Calcite
The fewer white spots the better. Lots of white calcite streaks will drastically reduce its value.
4. Treatment
Dyeing is a common treatment. Natural untreated lapis lazuli is much more valuable than dyed.
A value ladder of different qualities
There is a huge difference in value from ordinary lapis lazuli, which has a lot of white flecks, to the top grade 'Royal Blue', which is free of white flecks and has subtle gold flecks.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
September/December Birthstones
It is traditionally the birthstone for September and is also considered one of the birthstones for December.
👑
Wisdom and Truth
It is believed to open up wisdom, enhance insight, and help the wearer in the pursuit of truth.
🗣️
Communication and Harmony
The corresponding throat chakra is said to promote honest communication and bring about harmonious interpersonal relationships.
🛡️ Care and Wear
Lapis lazuli is less hard and is sensitive to chemicals and needs to be cared for.
💥
Avoid scratching
Low hardness, easy to be scratched.
🧪
Stay away from chemicals
Very sensitive to acids, alkalis and detergents.
🔊
Disable ultrasound
Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
💧
wipe with clean water
Wipe gently with a soft cloth and water only.
👑 royalty and art
Lapis lazuli has been a symbol of royalty and power since ancient times. In addition to the masks of Tutankhamen, many medieval manuscripts and Persian miniatures use lapis lazuli as a pigment. Modern fine jewelry brands such as Cartier and Bvlgari also often incorporate the finest lapis lazuli in their designs, demonstrating its timeless appeal.