metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli
Na8(Al6Si6O24)S2 (composed primarily of Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite)
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Deep celestial blue to violet-blue; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (for Lazurite component); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.7 to 2.9
- Hardness
- 5 to 5
- Color
- Deep celestial blue to violet-blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Deep celestial blue to violet-blue; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (for Lazurite component); Cleavage: None/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.7 to 2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed through contact metamorphism of limestone or marble by igneous intrusions. Highest quality deposits are associated with the Sar-e-Sang deposit in Afghanistan, which has been mined for over 6,000 years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, and ornamental objects. Historically ground into 'Ultramarine' pigment for fine art.
Geological facts
Lapis lazuli was highly prized in Ancient Egypt for burial masks and jewelry. It is not a single mineral but a rock containing mostly lazurite (blue), calcite (white veins), and pyrite (gold-colored flecks).
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its intense blue streak, the presence of gold-toned pyrite inclusions, and a sulfurous smell when scratched or struck. Top locations include Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and Canada.
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