Superb parcel of Lapis Lazuli cabochons. Lovely deep blue with a hint of purple and lovely artistic pyrite inclusions and a few speckles of calcite.  Some can be used as pairs though they are not 100% perfect match.  The largest measures 22 by 16 by 7mm and the smallest is 19 by 14 by 6mm.  They have been slightly color enhanced - 'called dipping' a durable minor improvement, which is carried out on most Lapis but people won't tell you.

Lapis lazuli is one of the few gemstones that is a rock rather than a mineral. It can consist of up to 15 minerals, but is mainly is a mixture of 3 main components: Lazurite, a complex mineral containing sulphur, is the essential ingredient and gives the vivid blue colour, the others are Hauyne and Sodalite.  To varying degrees also Calcite, responsible for the white streaks in many specimens and Pyrite, an iron sulphide, gold/white in colour that gives the distinctive gold flecks.   Some of these stones have been slightly color enhanced - called 'dipping' a durable minor improvement - a lighter treatment for better grade stones.  Most Lapis undergoes full scale dying but people don't tell you. 

Chemical composition:

Lazurite:                    (Na,CA)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)2

Hauyne:                     (Na,CA)4-8(AlSiO4)6(SO4)1-2

Sodalite:                    Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2

Calcite:                       CaCO3

Pyrite:                        FeS2

Lustre:                       Vitreous and greasy

Hardness:      5.5 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 2.38 – 3.00
Refractive index:1.50 – 1.55

Healing properties of Lapis Lazuli:  It is regarded as the symbol of friendship and truth. It encourages harmony in relationships and helps the wearer to develop creative self expression.  Some think it may increase psychic abilities. A cure for melancholy and certain types of fever, it may eliminate negative emotions and relieve sore throat pain, but I won’t give you a money back guarantee!