I decided to tell you about what I consider one of the loveliest rocks. Notice I said “rocks”, not minerals. Lapis Lazuli is actually a combination of minerals primarily Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite. The finest Lapis historically and still to this day comes from the Kokeha Valley in northeastern Afghanistan. Other important Lapis area are scattered around the world in locations such as Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, Ovalle, Chili, and even in the Sawatch Mountains of Colorado, and the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California.
Quality Lapis is dark, dark blue with very little calcite. Denim Lapis used to be discarded as grade “B” because it contained too much calcite, but marketing has produced a market for this lesser grade over the past hundred years. The denim lapis might be considered to have a more casual look, great with jeans, while true lapis has a more regal or formal look. I like the pyrite in the Lapis, but too much is also considered a detriment to fine Lapis. You have to look closely to tell dyed denim Lapis from true blue Lapis Lazuli.
I have turned my grinding waters blue more then a few times cutting Lapis cabochons. Lapis is soft like calcite so a light touch is required in cabbing this material. Faceted cabochons have become quite popular over the last decade, and I like the way they look when cut in this fashion.
The use of Lapis goes back to ancient times. A large store of Lapis was found in the grave of Tutankhamen, and Lazurite, the basis of Lapis, was ground up to make the pigment ultramarine, that was also used as pigment by ancient Egyptians.
Lapis does not seem to be as popular today as it was in the 1800’s. Good Lapis is still hard to find, especially with ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. I do occasionally get asked if I have any lapis jewelry, and am pleased to say that I do have an old and very fine stash.
This photo is one of a custom
order that I made a few years back for an elderly gentleman. He wanted to give a piece of wire wrapped lapis pendant to all the female members in his extended family. WOW! What a fine gift.
You can find similar pendants on this website, or call me for your specific needs.
Lapis is the traditional gemstone for the month of December.