LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis lazuli is made of several minerals which includes lazurite, sodalite, hauyne, calcite and pyrite. With the varying composition of these minerals the color of lapis lazuli also varies. The best quality lapis lazuli is considered to be the one, which is dark blue in color with slight patches white calcite and brassy yellow pyrite. The top quality lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan. Along-with Afghanistan, lapis lazuli from Argentina is also considered to be of high quality. Pale blue variety comes from the former USSR and Chile. Specimens from the USA are darker in shade whereas the lapis lazuli of Canada is light blue.

Crystal Structure: Various

Hardness: 5.5

Specific Gravity: 2.80

Refractive Index: About 1.50

Colors: Pale blue to deep blue.

Luster: Vitreous to greasy

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