Drawn illustration, not a photograph
Rock
Lapis lazuli
HindiLajward
A deep blue rock flecked with gold-coloured pyrite, mined in Afghanistan for more than six thousand years.
- Material
- Rock: lazurite, calcite and pyrite
- Colour from
- Sulphur in lazurite
- Hardness
- 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale
- Known sources
- Afghanistan, Chile
What to look for
- An even, deep blue
- Fine pyrite flecks and little white calcite
- Dyeing is sometimes used and should be disclosed
CareSoft. Avoid knocks and chemicals; wipe with a damp cloth.
General guidance about the stone. Each actual stone is described individually, with its own photographs and any laboratory report, when you enquire.
Lapis lazuli, to wear.
Ask whether a ring, pendant, stud earrings or a bracelet with lapis lazuli is available, in gold, platinum or silver.