With its intense blue hue, golden ’shimmer’ effect and Arabian origin, Lapis lazuli is a gemstone that looks as though it could have been pulled straight out of ‘1001 Arabian Nights’. Here we offer a brief introduction to this interesting gem.

Background

Lapis lazuli has a long and colorful history, being one of the oldest gems to be worn as jewelry, and dates back over 6,000 years. This has been proven by the many discoveries of decorative chains and other items found in ancient archeological sites dotted around the Mediterranean.

Though Lapis lazuli has been discovered in many sites around the world in countries such as Italy, Canada, USA and Mongolia, the best quality gems have always come from the north-east of Afghanistan, the same area that the first stones were found in.

The amazing blue color of the stone has led to it having many uses over the years, particularly for those in the art business. Before synthetic colors became available artists would purchase a blue substance created from the stone, and as a result, Lapis lazuli paints can be found in many famous paintings. Even today a ground up form of the stone is used for painting restoration. As well as being made into items of jewelry, Lapis lazuli can also be turned into ornaments, carvings, boxes, mosaics and vases.

Although a desirable stone in items of jewelry, Lapis lazuli is not particularly hard-wearing, and scores between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.

Factors That Affect Value

The vivid blue color of Lapis lazuli is often referred to as ‘ultramarine’ - meaning ‘from beyond the sea’, and it is the color that sells this stone. Various shades of blue can be found, and generally speaking the more intense the blue, the more valuable the gem. It is for this reason that prices for Lapis lazuli can vary hugely, from relatively inexpensive to near top end prices. The stone also displays flickers of gold that give off a ’shimmer’ effect. These are created by inclusions of pyrite, and add another unique touch to an interesting gem.

Meanings of Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli has also long been regarded as a holy stone, and citizens of the Middle East believed it carried magical powers. Arguably the most famous link of Lapis lazuli, however, is its associations with truth and friendship. The hue of the stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships, meaning jewelry containing this gem is popular as a gift between friends and lovers.

An interesting fact about Lapis lazuli is that it gives off an interesting aroma when it comes into contact with a gem cutter’s cutting disc. It is even possible for a skilled cutter to be able to judge from the resultant odor how intense the hue is.