An interesting gemstone with a long history, lapis lazuli is a beautiful shade of blue. Not only has its vivid color contributed to the item’s worth for millennia, but so have its historical significance and the many uses it has had. This blog will explore the many varieties of lapis, where they originated, and the reasons for their everlasting worth.
A-Z Types of Lapis Lazuli
There are several types of Lapis Lazuli, each distinguished by slight differences in color, texture, and inclusions. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types from A to Z:
Type | Color | Origin | Mines | Discovery Period |
Afghan Lapis | Deep Blue, Gold Flecks | Afghanistan | Sar-e-Sang | Over 6,000 years ago |
Chilean Lapis | Lighter Blue, Calcite | Chile | Andes Mountains | Known since Pre-Columbian era |
Russian Lapis | Dark Blue, White Veins | Russia (Lake Baikal area) | Malobystrinskoye Mines | Modern discovery |
Italian Lapis | Lighter Blue, Uniform | Italy | Ancient Roman times | Historically used by Romans |
Persian Lapis | Royal Blue, Minimal Inclusions | Iran (Ancient Persia) | No specific mine recorded | Used in Ancient Persia |
Descriptions of Lapis Lazuli Types
Afghan Lapis:
This variety, from Afghanistan, is the most prized for its deep, intense blue hue with golden pyrite flecks. Afghan Lapis has been used for millennia, originating in the Sar-e-Sang mines, which are some of the oldest gemstone mines in the world. The deep blue color combined with sparkling pyrite has made it a gemstone of royalty and luxury.
Chilean Lapis:
Found in the Andes Mountains, Chilean Lapis Lazuli is lighter in color, often with more calcite inclusions (white veins). It lacks the intense saturation of Afghan stones but is still highly valued, especially for jewelry and decorative items.
Russian Lapis:
Russian Lapis, primarily from the Lake Baikal area, has dark blue hues with prominent white veins of calcite and minimal pyrite. It was not as widely known until modern times but is now a competitor in the market for carvings and jewelry.
Italian Lapis:
Known since Roman times, this type of Lapis Lazuli is often a lighter blue and was used in ancient Roman mosaics and statues. While Italy itself is not a major source today, the region historically imported the stone for artistic use.
Persian Lapis:
The Persian variety is a pure blue with very minimal inclusions, highly prized in ancient Persia and used in jewelry, seals, and religious artifacts. Persian Lapis is known for its rich color and smooth texture.
Origins and Mines
Beginning more than six thousand years ago, mining for lapis started in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan district, home of the world-renown mines. Even now, some of the most exquisite lapis lazuli in the world is mined from the Sar-e-Sang. Miners must go far into marble quarries to reach these inaccessible high-altitude mines, where the gem is located. The famously pure blue lapis from these mines is adorned with shimmering golden pyrite inclusions.
Chile, in especially the Andes Mountains, is home to significant lapis resources in South America. Chilean lapis differs from Afghan lapis because to its softer blue tone and higher calcite content.
Near Russia’s Lake Baikal, at the Malobystrinskoye mines, you may find lapis lazuli. Although Afghan stones tend to have more pyrite inclusions and white veining, Russian lapis is more often used for artistic carving because to its deeper blue hue.
Even though they did not have large reserves, other areas such as Persia and Italy used to import gemstones. Because of these areas, lapis lazuli became popular all throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Historical Significance and Uses
Lapis Lazuli has a long history of diverse uses dating back to prehistoric times. The stone was associated with divinity and protection by the ancient Egyptians, who fashioned it into amulets, scarabs, and beads. The color ultramarine, a vivid blue often employed to portray the Virgin Mary in Christian art throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, was made from this stone when crushed into a fine powder.
Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Mesopotamians all made use of lapis for inlays, beads, and seals. The fact that it made an appearance in Gilgamesh’s epic is evidence of its cultural significance. People have long held the belief that its magical characteristics might provide knowledge, honesty, and safety from harm.(Invaluable)(Gemstone Hub)(Polishing expert).
Why Lapis Lazuli is Valuable
Several factors determine the value of Lapis Lazuli:
- Color: Deep blue stones with minimal calcite and pyrite inclusions are the most valuable. Afghan Lapis is particularly sought after due to its rich color.
- Texture: Stones with a smooth, fine-grained texture are ideal for jewelry and carvings.
- Size: Larger stones are rarer and more valuable.
- History: Lapis with historical significance, such as pieces from ancient cultures, can fetch high prices at auctions.
Despite being softer than many gemstones, its unique beauty and ancient cultural significance continue to make Lapis a sought-after stone in modern times(Gemstone Hub)(Polishing expert).
FAQs
1. What is the most valuable type of Lapis Lazuli?
The most valuable type of Lapis Lazuli is Afghan Lapis, known for its deep royal blue color with minimal inclusions of pyrite and calcite.
2. Can Lapis Lazuli be used in jewelry?
Yes, Lapis Lazuli is commonly used in jewelry, particularly in cabochons, beads, and inlays due to its opaque nature and striking blue color.
3. How should I care for Lapis Lazuli?
Avoid exposure to water and chemicals. Clean with a soft cloth and keep it away from harsh environments to maintain its polish and color.
4. Why does Lapis Lazuli have white veins?
White veins in Lapis are caused by calcite inclusions, which can lower the stone’s value, although some people find the contrast beautiful.
5. Where does most Lapis Lazuli come from?
The majority of high-quality Lapis comes from the Badakhshan province in Afghanistan, but it is also found in Chile, Russia, and other regions(Invaluable)(Gemstone Hub).
Lapis Lazuli is more than just a gemstone; it’s a link to ancient civilizations, art, and spirituality, making it a timeless and valuable piece of Earth’s history.