ideally has a deep uniform blue color that is free
of white calcite veining and virtually free of
golden pyrite flecks. It was prized by the ancients
who mistakenly called it "sapphirus" after its deep
royal blue color.
Lapis is a very popular gemstone for men's
jewelry, second only to black onyx. For women,
lapis is often fashioned into earrings and beads,
sometimes interspersed with pearls or gold
beads.
Lapis is the accepted anniversary gemstone for
the ninth year of marriage.
Lapis has been highly prized since ancient
Babylonian and Egyptian times. An amulet of
..great power" was formed when lapis was worked
into the image of an eye and ornamented with
gold. Sometimes ft was even buried with
mummies. It was recognized as a symbol for
ability, success, and divine favor.
To maintain the brilliance of lapis, it should be
wiped clean with a soft cloth. Do not use a home
ultrasonic machine. Care should be taken to
protect it from scratches, sharp blows and
household chemicals.
As part of the fashioning process, lapis lazuli is
commonly impregnated with colorless wax or oil
to brighten the color. The whiter variety is
commonly dyed blue to provide color and/or
uniformity. This dying may not be permanent.
The prime source of lapis is Afghanistan.