Rock Identifier
Lapis Lazuli (blue bead) and Moss Agate (green heart) (Lapis Lazuli (lazurite-based rock) and Moss Agate (SiO2 with manganese/iron inclusions)) — metamorphic (Lapis) and sedimentary/igneous assoc. (Moss Agate)
metamorphic (Lapis) and sedimentary/igneous assoc. (Moss Agate)

Lapis Lazuli (blue bead) and Moss Agate (green heart)

Lapis Lazuli (lazurite-based rock) and Moss Agate (SiO2 with manganese/iron inclusions)

Lapis: Hardness 5-5.5, deep blue with gold pyrite and white calcite, greasy/vitreous luster. Moss Agate: Hardness 6.5-7, translucent with green dendritic inclusions, waxy/vitreous luster.

Identified More metamorphic (lapis) and sedimentary/igneous assoc. (moss agate) →
Explore Lapis Lazuli (blue bead) and Moss Agate (green heart) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Lapis: Hardness 5-5.5, deep blue with gold pyrite and white calcite, greasy/vitreous luster. Moss Agate: Hardness 6.5-7, translucent with green dendritic inclusions, waxy/vitreous luster.

Formation & geological history

Lapis forms through contact metamorphism of limestone. Moss Agate forms in volcanic rock cavities from silica-rich groundwater over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a semi-precious gemstone. Historical use of Lapis as 'ultramarine' pigment in Renaissance paintings.

Geological facts

Lapis was highly prized by Ancient Egyptians for amulets and burial masks (including King Tut's). Moss agate is technically not a true agate because it lacks concentric banding.

Field identification & locations

Identify Lapis by its distinctive pyrite 'gold' flecks. Identify Moss Agate by its 'moss-like' green filament inclusions. Found in Afghanistan (Lapis) and India/USA/Brazil (Agate).

More like this

Other metamorphic (lapis) and sedimentary/igneous assoc. (moss agate) specimens

Mixed Agate and Lapis Lazuli Bracelet (Chalcedony (SiO2) and Lapis Lazuli (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2) — sedimentary and metamorphic

Mixed Agate and Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

Chalcedony (SiO2) and Lapis Lazuli (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2

sedimentary and metamorphic
Green Moss Agate (Silicon Dioxide with inclusions (SiO2 + Mn/Fe)) — sedimentary

Green Moss Agate

Silicon Dioxide with inclusions (SiO2 + Mn/Fe)

sedimentary
Blue Moss Agate (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with mineral inclusions) — sedimentary

Blue Moss Agate

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with mineral inclusions

sedimentary
Moss Agate (SiO2 with impurities (Chalcedony)) — Mineral/Gemstone

Moss Agate

SiO2 with impurities (Chalcedony)

Mineral/Gemstone
Green Moss Agate / Jasper (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Microcrystalline Quartz with Iron and Manganese inclusions) — sedimentary

Green Moss Agate / Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Microcrystalline Quartz with Iron and Manganese inclusions

sedimentary
Green Moss Agate (Silicon Dioxide with inclusions (SiO2)) — sedimentary

Green Moss Agate

Silicon Dioxide with inclusions (SiO2)

sedimentary