Color:
Royal to Dark blue with mottling of gold (pyrite) and
white.
Localities:
Afghanistan, Egypt, South America, . Small quantities
are also produced in Siberia, in Colorado in the United
States, and in Myanmar
The
name lapis is Persian for blue. |
Color:
Royal to Dark blue with mottling of gold (pyrite)
and white.
Localities:
Afghanistan, Egypt, South America, . Small quantities
are also produced in Siberia, in Colorado in the United
States, and in Myanmar
The
name lapis is Persian for blue. |
|
Lapis
Lazuli
(A
combination of lazurite and other minerals forming a rock)
Lapis
lazuli is not a mineral, but a rock consisting of as many
as 15 different minerals. It is a contact metamorphic rock
with variable composition and varying physical properties,
usually forming as the result of contact metamorphism of
limestones. The primary minerals present in lapis are lazurite,
hauyine, diopside, calcite and pyrite. In Egypt, lapis beads,
carvings, scarabs and jewelry date back over 5000 years!
It was once believed that an Egyptian statesman was unable
to tell a lie if he was holding a piece of lapis. The Buddhists
believed that lapis brought its owner peace of mind and
the ability to dispel evil thoughts and relieve melancholy.
Modern crystal mystics continue to credit lapis with the
ability to improve one's mental and emotional outlook. It
enables one to open their third eye.
| Lapis
lazuli is somewhat porous and should be protected
from chemicals and solvents. Warm soapy water is the
best way to clean it. Lapis is not very hard at 5.5
and should be protected from other jewelry when stored
to avoid scratches.
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