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Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a beautiful rock; an aggregate of several minerals, mainly lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.

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Intense color

Even, deep blue color is typical of the most desirable lapis.

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Golden flecks

Tiny golden flecks of pyrite complement the gem’s appearance.

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Tablet

The tablet cut is a popular cut style for lapis lazuli jewelry.

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Royal

Large areas of bright royal blue make this specimen appealing.

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Calcite Streaks

Streaks of calcite can detract from the stone’s value.

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Pyrite

Sparkling pyrite inclusions are appreciated by many lapis consumers.

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Jasper
Artist Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio infused all of his skull carvings with personalities reflected by the names he gave them. Photos by Orasa Weldon/GIA, courtesy of Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio.
From left: Amber, blue chrysoprase, jasper with cheetah-like spots, calcite and robin’s egg blue turquoise. Courtesy Jay Walker, curator of the Library of the History of Human Imagination. Photo by Orasa Weldon/GIA.
Lapis Lazuli Video 2623317491001

Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli Video 2623317490001

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