Lapis lazuli is a gemstone known for its deep blue color. It is a metamorphic rock that forms primarily in limestone-rich regions and contains minerals such as lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Lapis lazuli has been prized since ancient times for its beauty and use in jewelry and decorative art.
Properties of Lapis Lazuli
Color: The characteristic color of lapis lazuli is a rich, deep blue, often punctuated by golden flecks of pyrite and occasionally white veins of calcite.
Composition: Primarily composed of lazurite, with inclusions of calcite and pyrite.
It has a hardness of 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones such as diamond or ruby.
It exhibits a vitreous or oily luster, especially after polishing.
It is opaque, meaning it does not allow light to pass through.
Origin: The most famous mines are in Afghanistan, but it can also be found in Chile, Russia, Canada and the United States.
Silver Earrings with Lapis Lazuli Set Surrounded by Circles
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