metamorphic
Lapis Lazuli
Lazurite-rich metamorphic rock (approx. (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,Cl,SO4,OH)2)
Deep blue color, hardness of 5 to 5.5 on Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, often contains flecks of golden pyrite and white calcite veins.
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Physical properties
Deep blue color, hardness of 5 to 5.5 on Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, often contains flecks of golden pyrite and white calcite veins.
Formation & geological history
Formed by contact metamorphism of limestone or marble. Major deposits date back thousands of years, typically found in alpine environments.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and historically ground into pigment for ultramarine paint.
Geological facts
Lapis lazuli was highly prized by Ancient Egyptians for amulets and funeral masks, including the mask of Tutankhamun. The name comes from the Latin 'lapis' (stone) and Persian 'lazhuward' (blue).
Field identification & locations
Identify by the distinct 'royal blue' hue and the presence of pyrite inclusions. Found prominently in the Sar-i Sang mines of Afghanistan, as well as Chile and Russia.
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