ORIGIN

Lapis Lazuli, renowned for its deep blue hue and golden pyrite inclusions, has a storied history rooted in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. Mined in the Sar-e-Sang region for over 6,000 years, Afghan lapis lazuli holds particular acclaim for its exceptional color and historical significance. Widely utilized in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome for jewelry, carvings, and cosmetics, the stone’s name reflects its essence, translating to “blue stone” in Latin and Persian.

BACKGROUND

Lapis Lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone in jewelry and for ornamental purposes. It is prized for its intense blue color and has been used in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, for thousands of years.

The blue color of lapis lazuli comes from the presence of the mineral lazurite, which is a complex sulfide. In addition to lazurite, lapis lazuli may contain other minerals such as calcite, sodalite, and pyrite, which can contribute to its overall appearance and value.

Today, lapis lazuli is still used in jewelry and ornamental objects. It is often cut into cabochons, beads, or carved into intricate shapes to showcase its vibrant blue color and distinctive golden flecks of pyrite. The primary sources of high-quality lapis lazuli include Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia.

COLOR IS MOST IMPORTANT
color is a crucial factor in determining the value of lapis lazuli. The most desirable and valuable lapis lazuli exhibits a rich, intense blue color. The presence of a deep and vibrant blue, often described as royal blue, is highly sought after in the gemstone market.

The key component responsible for the blue color in lapis lazuli is the mineral lazurite. Gem-quality lapis lazuli should have a high concentration of lazurite to achieve the desired color saturation

CLARITY
In traditional gemology, clarity refers to the presence of inclusions or blemishes within a gemstone. However, the concept of clarity in lapis lazuli differs from that of transparent gemstones like diamonds. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of various minerals, and it often contains characteristic inclusions that are inherent to its formation. These inclusions are generally not considered flaws but rather contribute to the stone’s unique appearance.

For lapis lazuli, certain inclusions are actually valued and add to the gem’s appeal:

1)Pyrite Inclusions: The presence of golden pyrite flecks is a distinctive feature of lapis lazuli. Well-distributed pyrite inclusions can enhance the stone’s beauty and are often sought after.

2)Calcite Veins: Veins or patches of white calcite may be present in lapis lazuli. When these inclusions are well-distributed and do not detract significantly from the overall appearance, they can contribute to the stone’s character.

3)Sodalite and Lazurite Inclusions: Sodalite and lazurite are other minerals commonly found in lapis lazuli. Their presence can influence the color and texture of the stone.

TREATMENT
Lapis lazuli is typically untreated, and its natural state is highly valued in the gemstone market. The deep blue color, often with golden pyrite flecks, is inherent to the stone’s composition, and enhancing methods are generally not applied. This natural and untreated form of lapis lazuli is preferred for its authenticity and retains the stone’s unique characteristics.

While lapis lazuli is generally untreated, it’s important for buyers and enthusiasts to be aware that some commercially available specimens might undergo treatments to enhance color or mask imperfections. These treatments, if present, can impact the stone’s value and authenticity. As a best practice, it’s advisable to seek information about the treatment status of a lapis lazuli specimen from reputable sources or sellers when making a purchase.