Buyer's Guide
The finest lapis has uniform bodycolor, free of visible pyrite and calcite. Lapis often contains varying amounts of whitish calcite matrix—the host rock—or flecks or veins of yellow pyrite, or both.
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What To Look For
Variously described as indigo, royal, midnight, or marine blue, lapis lazuli’s signature hue is slightly greenish blue to violetish blue, medium to dark in tone, and highly saturated. In its most-prized form, lapis lazuli has no visible calcite, although it might have gold-colored pyrite flecks.
If the pyrite flecks are small and sprinkled attractively throughout the gem, their presence doesn’t necessarily lower lapis lazuli’s value. The lowest-quality lapis looks dull and green, the result of an excess of pyrite. Lapis with white calcite streaks is less valuable.
Lapis lazuli is often cut into cabochons, beads, and tablets. The gem has also been popular with carvers for centuries.
This lapis lazuli specimen from Afghanistan, “The Owl,” weighs about 1 kilogram. Lapis is found in all sizes and is often cut into calibrated sizes or beads.
Lapis Lazuli Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Questions & Answers
Does GIA grade lapis lazuli?
GIA evaluates lapis lazuli but does not grade it. A GIA Colored Stone Identification Report assesses the characteristics of any polished, rough, mounted or loose material (weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color); identifies whether it is natural or laboratory-grown; and names any detectable treatments.
Is lapis lazuli enhanced?
Lapis lazuli might be dyed to improve its color and conceal any calcite inclusions. Lapis that hasn’t been dyed might be impregnated with wax or oil to improve color and luster. These treatments have only fair stability, and a gemologist can detect them.
What is the best color of lapis lazuli?
The most prized lapis lazuli colors are intense medium to dark blue or violetish blue.
Is lapis lazuli imitated?
Glass, plastic, and ceramic materials have all been used as lapis imitations.
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Questions & AnswersCaring for Your Lapis Lazuli
Keep your lapis beautiful by following simple care and cleaning guidelines.
Durability
Lapis is durable enough for daily wear in jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
Clean lapis jewelry with warm, soapy water, never with steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
Treatment
Some lapis is treated to improve appearance. Heat or solvents can damage a treated gem’s surface.
