mineral

Tumbled Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli (Rock containing Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite)

Hardness: 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Deep blue with white calcite veins and golden pyrite specks. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal Structure: Isometric (for individual mineral components). Specific gravity: 2.7 to 2.9.

Hardness: 5 to 5
Color: Deep blue with white calcite veins and golden pyrite specks
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through contact metamorphism of limestone, typically associated with intrusive igneous rocks. Ages vary significantly depending on the deposit, often Precambrian to Paleozoic.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, ornamental carvings, mosaics, and as a historical pigment (ultramarine). Highly valued by collectors and lapidary artists.

Geological facts

Lapis lazuli has been mined for over 6,500 years in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. It was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians, who used it extensively in funerary masks and jewelry, including the burial mask of Tutankhamun.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its distinct deep royal blue coloration combined with brassy golden pyrite inclusions and white calcite patches. Major deposits are found in Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the United States.

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