Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue, semi-precious stone. The origin of the name “lapis lazuli” – “azure stone” – comes from the Medieval Latin terms “lapis” and “lazulum.”
Unlike other gems, lapis lazuli is not a pure mineral, but a combination of several. Lapis lazuli usually shows up in crystalline marble and has a Mohs scale hardness of 5.5. The most precious stones have an intense blue color with small specks of golden pyrite.
The jewelry industry polishes lapis lazuli stones and coats them with either wax or resin. This gem is used mostly in carvings, mosaics and various ornamentations.
The best lapis lazuli is found in mines in northeastern Afghanistan, in deposits which have been mined for over 6,000 years. Lapis lazuli deposits are also located in Chile, Siberia, Canada, the United States (Colorado and California), India and Angola.
