LAPIS LAZULILapis is a beautiful rock, an aggregate of several minerals, mainly lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.
|
Lapis Lazuli Description
Lapis lazuli is a rock, which means it's an aggregate of several minerals. This ancient gem contains three minerals in varying amounts - lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Sometimes, it also contains one or more of the following - diopside, amphibole, feldspar, and mica.
Although many people associate lapis with dark blue, it's also found in other shades of blue, and even other hues. Its color can range from deep violet blue and royal blue to light blue to turquoise blue to a greenish blue. The combination of different minerals in the aggregate determines the color.
Although many people associate lapis with dark blue, it's also found in other shades of blue, and even other hues. Its color can range from deep violet blue and royal blue to light blue to turquoise blue to a greenish blue. The combination of different minerals in the aggregate determines the color.
More about Lapis Lazuli
Variously described as indigo, royal, midnight, or marine blue, lapis lazuli's signature hue is slightly greenish blue to violets blue, medium to dark in tone, and highly saturated. In its most-prized form, lapis lazuli has no visible calcite, although it might have gold-coloured pyrite flecks. If the flecks are small and sprinkled attractively throughout the gem, their presence doesn't necessarily lower lapis lazuli's value. The lowest-quality lapis looks dull and green, the result of an excess of pyrite. Lapis with white calcite streaks is less valuable.