Lapis lazuli is a rock made up of several minerals and has been used for over 7,000 years in jewelry, decorative objects, and even as eye shadow. Most of it comes from Afghanistan and is reasonably priced in beaded form, but buyers should be aware of dyed stones and the stone’s low hardness. It is also associated with healing and spirituality.
Lapis lazuli is a brilliant blue gemstone that, unlike other gems, is opaque rather than translucent. Lapis is a combination of several minerals, including lazurite, sodium, aluminum, and pyrite. Because it is made of so many minerals, lapis lazuli is called a rock rather than a mineral, which also differs from most other gems.
Archaeologists have dated the use of lapis lazuli to 7,000 years ago. Findings in Egyptian tombs revealed the stone used not only in jewelry, but also in other decorative objects such as boxes, scarabs, and sculptures. The ancient Egyptians also made amulets from the stones. Other finds suggest that terrestrial lapis may have been used as eye shadow. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, painters used ground lapis lazuli to create the brilliant blue paints associated with the art of both periods.
Today, most lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan, and miners seek stones with the deepest blues, glowing from deposits of pyrite or fool’s gold. The best stones can still be used in carvings for jewelry boxes or as stones for pieces of jewelry. This stone is also favored among those who make their own jewelry, as it is often available in beaded form. The stones lend themselves well to carving, although they do exhibit a somewhat unpleasant odor when carved. Those who carve this stone must wear protective equipment to prevent silica deposits in the lungs.
In beaded form, lapis lazuli is available in many varieties and is quite reasonably priced, although higher quality means higher prices. One can find lapis lazuli in spindles, drums, faceted tubes, briolettes, and beautiful round beads. Round stones have been used for centuries in treasured rosary beads.
Craft beads are often purchased in strings. Spindle-shaped lapis lazuli strings can be less than 1 US dollar (USD) per bead. Larger beads, such as large faceted tubes, can cost around $3 per bead. Several Internet sites offer discounts on large purchases, and gem fairs are also a good source for finding lapis chains.
Loose stones are also generally cheap. They tend to be measured in grams rather than carats, so it’s good to remember that one carat equals half a gram. 3-4 gram stones can be as cheap as $30, although larger, higher quality stones can run as high as $40 per gram.
In ring settings, this stone requires care as it has a hardness of only 5-6 on the Mohs scale. It probably shouldn’t be used while doing everyday tasks like cleaning the house. Buyers looking for the best quality should also ask suppliers if the stone has been dyed, as some lapis may be colored to imitate better quality stones.
The use of lapis lazuli today is believed, as it was in ancient times, as a symbol of truth. It is associated with healing, and can also serve as a gateway to the spiritual world in certain beliefs. It is also linked to Roman Catholicism, as most Virgin Mary paintings created during the Middle Ages and Renaissance contained lapis. In this way, it can be considered both mystical and pure.
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