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.

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.

Occurrence :  The occurrence of this stone is found in Afghanistan, Russia and Chile.

Substitutes :  The most common substitutes are Artificial Spinel, Sodalite, Blue Glass, Synthetic Lapis Lazuli and Reconstructed Lapis Lazuli.

Chemical Composition :  SILICATE of SODIUM, ALUMINIUM, containing SULPHUR.