Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue decorative rock that has been valued for thousands of years for its rich colour and striking appearance. Unlike many gemstones, Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral species. It is a rock made from several minerals, most importantly lazurite, calcite and pyrite. Lazurite is responsible for the intense royal-blue to violet-blue colour. Calcite commonly appears as white patches, streaks or veins. Pyrite produces the familiar metallic golden flecks that can sparkle across the surface. Other minerals such as diopside, amphibole, feldspar and mica may also occur in smaller amounts. Fine-quality Lapis Lazuli is typically a rich, evenly saturated blue with little visible calcite. Small, well-distributed pyrite flecks may be attractive, while large amounts of white calcite or excessive pyrite can reduce its commercial value. Lapis Lazuli has been used by ancient civilisations including those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome and China. Ground Lapis Lazuli was also historically used to produce ultramarine, one of the most famous and expensive blue pigments used in art. The best-known historic source is the Sar-e-Sang district of Badakhshan in Afghanistan, where Lapis Lazuli has been mined for thousands of years.