metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli
Lazurite-rich metamorphic rock
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Deep celestial blue with specks of gold (pyrite) and white (calcite); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (lazurite grains); Specific gravity: 2.7 to 2.9
- Hardness
- 5 to 5
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Deep celestial blue with specks of gold (pyrite) and white (calcite); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Isometric (lazurite grains); Specific gravity: 2.7 to 2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed through contact metamorphism where limestone or marble is altered by hydrothermal processes. Major deposits are found in Afghanistan, dating back over 6,000 years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and historically ground into pigment for ultramarine paint used by Renaissance artists.
Geological facts
Lapis lazuli was highly prized by Ancient Egyptians, who used it in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. It is technically a rock, not a single mineral, because it is composed of multiple minerals including lazurite, pyrite, and calcite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its intense blue color, the presence of golden pyrite flecks, and its relatively soft surface that can be scratched by a steel blade. Common locations include the Sar-i Sang mines in Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia.
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