Lapis Lazuli
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious gemstone. It is prized for its intense color and has been used for jewelry and ornamental objects since ancient times. The best lapis lazuli has a rich, uniform blue color with little to no pyrite inclusions. It is composed mainly of lazurite, a feldspathoid silicate mineral, and often contains pyrite (fool's gold) and calcite.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.50
- Birefringence
- 0.005 - 0.010
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Dispersion
- Low
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lapis Lazuli before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Lapis Lazuli Localities Map
See where Lapis Lazuli is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Deep blue, violet-blue, greenish-blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 6
- Density
- 2.7 - 2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Blue
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)1-2
- Elements
- Sodium, Aluminum, Silicon, Oxygen, Sulfur
Also Known As
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Lapis Lazuli FAQs
How do I identify Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Deep blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli typically appears in Deep blue, violet-blue, greenish-blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.