gemstone

Lapis lazuli bead bracelet

Lapis lazuli: a rock composed mainly of lazurite, with variable calcite and pyrite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, deep royal-blue polished beads, likely with small gold-colored metal spacers. Lapis lazuli has a vitreous-to-greasy luster, Mohs hardness about 5–5.5, and no prominent cleavage; its structure is granular rather than a single crystal.

Identified October 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by metamorphism of marble, typically through contact with silica-bearing fluids. Notable deposits are in Afghanistan; the rock commonly formed in Precambrian geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects; historically ground into ultramarine pigment. The bracelet also contains metal components.

Geological facts

The finest historic lapis lazuli came from the Sar-e-Sang deposits in Afghanistan. Tiny golden flecks, when present, are usually pyrite rather than gold.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its saturated blue color and possible white calcite or brassy pyrite flecks; dyed substitutes may look unnaturally uniform. Beads alone cannot confirm the material or its quality.