![Lapis Lazuli (Lapis Lazuli (aggregate rock primarily composed of Lazurite (Na,Ca)8[(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2|(AlSiO4)6], Calcite, and Pyrite)) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/lapis-lazuli-55668e95-a858-43f0-9bbb-21b183b1ef80-compressed.jpg)
metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli (aggregate rock primarily composed of Lazurite (Na,Ca)8[(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2|(AlSiO4)6], Calcite, and Pyrite)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: deep celestial blue to royal blue with golden flecks of pyrite and white patches of calcite; Luster: vitreous to greasy, dull when unpolished; Specific Gravity: 2.7 to 2.9; Crystal Structure: massive aggregate (lazurite is isometric).
- Hardness
- 5 to 5
- Luster
- vitreous to greasy, dull when unpolished
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: deep celestial blue to royal blue with golden flecks of pyrite and white patches of calcite; Luster: vitreous to greasy, dull when unpolished; Specific Gravity: 2.7 to 2.9; Crystal Structure: massive aggregate (lazurite is isometric).
Formation & geological history
Formed through contact metamorphism where limestone or marble interacts with hydrothermal fluids from intruding igneous plutons, replacing carbonate minerals with lazurite, sodalite, and pyrite.
Uses & applications
Prized as an ornamental and decorative gemstone, carved into cabochons, beads, figurines, and spheres/eggs; historically ground into the extremely expensive natural pigment known as ultramarine.
Geological facts
Mined for over 6,500 years, the oldest known continuous mines are in the Badakhshan province of northeastern Afghanistan. It adorned the funerary mask of King Tutankhamun and was prized across ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its rich ultramarine blue coloration accompanied by characteristic metallic brassy-gold inclusions of pyrite and white calcite veins. Key localities include Sar-e-Sang (Badakhshan, Afghanistan), Lake Baikal (Russia), and the Chilean Andes.
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