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Pliny the Elder once referenced Lapis Lazuli as “a fragment of the starry firmament”
in admiration of its deep blue color and twinkling gold Pyrite inclusions.
Lapis Lazuli has long been considered a stone of truth and friendship that can enhance
the owner's awareness, insight and intellect. It has also been deemed a stone of
peace and harmony, and can provide self-acceptance to help the wearer understand
themselves as an authentic individual.
Physically, Lapis Lazuli is reputed to help cure, insomnia, depression, recurring
fevers, and disorders of the throat, lungs and immune system.
Availability :
Afghanistan is the main source of fine Lapis Lazuli. It is rare elsewhere, particularly
in good qualities, although other deposits do occur. Lapis Lazuli is available in
a wide range of prices, ranging from modest to expensive.
Sources :
The most prominent deposits of Lapis Lazuli are still to this day the Hindukush
Mountains of Northern Afghanistan. Other deposits include Canada, Chile, Italy,
Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Russia, Siberia, and the United States.
Evaluation :
Lapis Lazuli is rated at 5 to 6 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and should be worn
and stored with care to avoid any permanent damage to the stone. Stones that appear
dull because of excessive usage can be repolished to restore their original beauty.
Lapis Lazuli has long been admired for its intense deep blue color, with less desirable
shades ranging through light grayish blue, to greenish blue, to a dark violet blue.
Gold has long been considered the reason for Lapis Lazuli's twinkling inclusions
that have often been referred to as resembling the glimmering night sky. However, these “Gold” inclusions are not actually gold at all, they are Pyrite. These Pyrite
inclusions increase the value of the stone when finely distributed. White specks
(Calcite inclusions), will generally reduce the value of a Lapis Lazuli stone, particularly
when arranged in a spotty or irregular pattern.
The value of Lapis Lazuli is determined almost exclusively by the beauty and intensity
of the color, with the most desired being the deep and intense blue. The quality
of the polish and fashioning of the stone must also be taken into account.
Common Cuts :
Because Lapis Lazuli is a slightly soft, opaque gemstone it is most commonly and
almost exclusively cut
into cabochons, beads, and spheres. It has also been used
in various carvings / small sculptures.
Lapis Lazuli creates a somewhat unpleasant experience for the cutter because of
the foul smell that emanates from the stone when it makes contact with the cutting
wheel. This smell is caused by the sulfuric contents of Lasurite.
Routine Enhancements :
Lapis Lazuli is commonly impregnated with colorless wax or synthetic resin in order to improve appearance and resistance against wearing. Stones with numerous white
Calcite inclusions are also often dyed to improve their
coloration.
Care & Cleaning :
Lapis Lazuli is a relatively soft gemstone and should be worn and stored with care.
That being said, It is still widely used in rings and bracelets, although it is
wise to choose a protective setting when selecting Lapis Lazuli for setting in a
ring.
If Lapis Lazuli becomes dull from constant wear, it can easily be repolished to
restore its original beauty. Household chemicals, acids, ultrasonic cleaners, and
prolonged exposure to excessive heat should all be avoided as they can cause permanent damage to the stone. Lapis Lazuli is best cleaned
using warm
soapy water and a soft
brush.
Lapis Lazuli jewelry should be stored in a fabric-lined
box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid damage / scratching.
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