metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli Globe
Complex mixture of Lazurite ((Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2), Calcite, and Pyrite
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep blue with gold-flecked Pyrite and white Calcite veins; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Isometric (Lazurite constituent); Specific gravity: 2.7-2.9.
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Color
- Deep blue with gold-flecked Pyrite and white Calcite veins
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Deep blue with gold-flecked Pyrite and white Calcite veins; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: Isometric (Lazurite constituent); Specific gravity: 2.7-2.9.
Formation & geological history
Formed through contact metamorphism of limestone or marble. Major deposits date back millions of years, often found in crystalline limestones in rugged, high-altitude environments.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for decorative arts, jewelry, high-end desk ornaments (like this globe), and historical pigments (Ultramarine).
Geological facts
Lapis lazuli has been mined for over 6,000 years, notably in the Sar-e-Sang mines of Afghanistan. It was used in King Tutankhamun's funeral mask and ground into paint by Renaissance artists like Vermeer.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its intense blue streak and characteristic 'fool's gold' (pyrite) inclusions. Common locations include Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and Canada. For collectors, look for high-intensity blue and minimal calcite (white) streaks.
More like this
