SEDAGEMS

Lapis Lazuli

Quality high domed stone ready for setting

Source Afghanistan

Natural stone

Oval high dome

Mohs scale 5 to 5.5

There is some reflection from the light as the stone is well polished

Lapis lazuli has been mined in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan for 6,500 years.

The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite. There should be no white calcite veins and the pyrite inclusions should be small. Stones that contain much calcite at all or too much pyrite are not as valuable. Patches of pyrite are an important help in identifying the stone as genuine and do not detract from its value. Often, inferior lapis is dyed to improve its color, but this is often a very dark blue with a noticeable grey cast.

AS WITH ALL OUR STOCK YOU MAY RETURN IT FOR A FULL REFUND IF NOT PLEASED PROVIDED IT IS NOT TOUCHED IN ANY WAY.