metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli (Low-grade)
Lapis Lazuli (Aggregate of Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite)
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs); Color: Mottled deep blue and white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Granular/Massive; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Color
- Mottled deep blue and white
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Lapis Lazuli (Low-grade) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 (Mohs); Color: Mottled deep blue and white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Granular/Massive; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through contact metamorphism where limestone or dolostone is altered by heat and chemicals from igneous intrusions. Major sources are the Sar-e-Sang mines in Afghanistan, dating back over 6,000 years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and historically as the pigment ultramarine for fine art.
Geological facts
Unlike most gemstones which are minerals, Lapis Lazuli is a rock composed of multiple minerals. The blue comes from lazurite, the white from calcite, and the gold flecks from pyrite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive royal blue color often mixed with white calcite veins and metallic gold pyrite flecks. This specific round-cut specimen is lower grade due to the high calcite (white) content.
More like this
