Lapis Lazuli

Also known as lapis or lazurite, this semi precious stone is composed by a mixture if different minerals and chemical elements such as pyrite, mica, augite, diopside, aluminum, calcite, and natrium. It has a hardness of 5-6 and an isometric crystal system, and is a non transparent stone with a bright blue color which varies depending on its quality. The most expensive types of lapis contain “golden veins” of pyrite. Its name comes from the Latin word lapis (stone), while the second part of the name is formed from the Arabic word azul (blue) and the Persian word iazhaward, “the ring of the king”. It is a stone known from the ancient times, especially favored among the tribes of Mesopotamia, since often connected to their mythology, their traditions and their legends. It was transported for the first time in Europe in quite great amount by Alexander the Great’s army. In the Middle Ages, its was customary to use lapis for the decoration of the churches. Catherine the Great had decorated the walls of a whole ball room with lapis and amber. When buying lapis, one must be careful not to be tricked into buying the cheaper sodalite at a lapis price. Sodalite has a less vivid blue color and white veins. When choosing your lapis, look for the gold-like pyrite veins. Lapis is used from jewelers to create stunning jewelry, and many famous jewelry houses offer series of pieces with lapis, which are almost always considered collectors. It is a soft and easily shattered stone. Do not wear your lapis jewelry during intense handiwork and try to avoid water, since can cause the stone to loose its shine. {gallery}material_lapisl{/gallery}