Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a beautiful royal blue stone often associated with royalty. It is most often seen as a necklace of beads or carved pendants.

Lapis Lazuli is dark blue possibly with white spots of calcite. It often has specks of pyrite which look like gold. Lapis Lazuli has a hardness rating of 5.5.

Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color. Pierre Gilson Lapis is one of the better imitations. Lapis has been imitated by dyed Jasper and by paste with inclusions of copper.

 

Lapis Lazuli can easily be scratched or chipped. Water will dissolve it's protective coatings.

Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Canada, Chile, and the US.

Lapis is known as the December Traditional Birthstone

Lapis Lazuli is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th and 9th year of marriage.

It is said that Lapis helps one understand the mind. It helps to expand your viewpoint. It is good for connecting the heart and the mind when worn over the heart.

Lapis was prized in both Babylonia and Egypt and often worn by royalty.

Legend has it that Lapis Lazuli would protect the wearer from evil.

Lapis was a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever.