Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli, a deep-blue metamorphic rock often classified as a semi-precious stone, rather than a single mineral. Lapis lazuli is primarily composed of lazurite, a complex sodium calcium aluminum silicate mineral with sulfur, and typically contains other minerals like calcite, pyrite, and sodalite. It has been prized for thousands of years for its intense color and its use in jewelry, decoration, and even art pigments.

Appearance and Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Color

The most striking feature of lapis lazuli is its rich blue color, ranging from deep, royal blue to lighter tones. The presence of pyrite gives it a speckled, shimmering look.

Lapis lazuli has a Mohs hardness of around 5 to 5.5, making it relatively soft compared to gemstones like quartz or diamond.

Hardness

Luster

It typically has a waxy to vitreous luster, which enhances its visual appeal when polished.

The texture of lapis lazuli can vary from smooth and even to uneven with visible mineral grains, depending on the amount of calcite and pyrite present.

Texture

lapis lazuli is a beautiful and historically significant stone primarily composed of lazurite. Its deep blue color, often flecked with golden pyrite, has made it a treasured material for art, jewelry, and decoration throughout human history. In New Zealand, nephrite, or pounamu, is considered a taonga (treasure) by the Māori people, and it plays a crucial role in their cultural heritage. It was traditionally used for tools, weapons, and ornaments, and it is still used today in jewelry and carvings.

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