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Gemstones :: Lapis Lazuli |
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LAPIS LAZULI : It is a "rock", because it consists
of an association of minerals, lazurite and variable quantities of calcite and
pyrite. Calcite gives it white colour, Pyrite gives it golden colour and
Lazurite gives it blue colour. The common term used for this gemstone in the
market is "Swiss Lapiz". It was one of the first
stones ever to be used and worn for jewellery. Excavations in the antique
cultural centres all around the Mediterranean provided archeologists with
samples for jewellery which was left in tombs to accompany the deceased into the
hereafter. Again and again this jewellery consisted of necklaces and objects
crafted from Lapis lazuli – the clear indication that thousands of years ago the
people in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome cherished deep blue Lapis
lazuli. It is reported that at the legendary city of Ur situated on the Euphrat
river, there was a busy trade in Lapis lazuli as early as four thousand years
BC. In those days the stones were mined in the famous occurrences in
Afghanistan. But in other cultures Lapis lazuli was also worshipped as a holy
stone. Especially in the oriental countries it was considered as a gemstone with
magical powers. Numerous seals, rings, scarabs and objects were crafted from the
blue stone, which was introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great. Here the
colour was called „ultramarine“, meaning „from beyond the seas“. It is
the most valuable ornamental material.
For many people all over the world Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of truth
and friendship. The blue stone is reputed to bring about harmony in
relationships and to help its wearer being an authentic individual who may
openly state his or her opinion. Lapis lazuli is a highly appreciated stone
suitable for many purposes, which shows remarkable stability ion the light of
quickly changing fashion trends. This is not too surprising, after all, its
fairy-tale colour and its golden Pyrite light reflections have been fascinating
men and women for thousands of years.
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| Appearance
: It has a massive, uniform or sometimes granular appearance, with
fairly distinct crystals. The three important minerals present in it gives
colour to the gem. Calcite gives it white colour, Pyrite gives it golden colour
and Lazurite gives it blue colour. |
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| Occurrence
: The occurrence of this stone is found in Afghanistan, Russia and
Chile. |
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| Substitutes
: The most common substitutes are Artificial Spinel, Sodalite, Blue
Glass, Synthetic Lapis Lazuli and Reconstructed Lapis Lazuli. |
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| Chemical
Composition :
SILICATE of SODIUM, ALUMINIUM, containing SULPHUR. |
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