Lapis Lazuli

The name Lapis Lazuli comes from the persian word "lazhward" meaning "blue". Lapis Lazuli occurs in various shades of blues with some qalities being speckled with white calcite and some with yellow pyrite.

Afghanistan lapis lazuli was found in the 7th century BC archaeological site designated as the ancient city of Mehrgarh, in the Indus Valley of what is now Pakistan. As early as the 6th century BC, Lapis lazuli from the Badakhshan mines was transported, chiefly by camel caravan, to China, India, and Tibet, and later to Egypt, where it was fashioned into scarabs and amulets and shortly thereafter it reached other Mediterranean countries.

Some people said that lapis lazuli is one of the first gemstones used as a decorative and gem stone. It is mentioned in Chinese annals of the 6th and 8th centuries BC. Lapis lazuli-bearing Sumerian court jewellery, craving were found in the royal tomb of Queen Pu-abi, Ur, Iraq. Lapis lazuli constitutes the eyebrows and areas around the eyes of the gold mask of the mummy of Tutankhamun (1361–1352 BC).

Treatments

Common treatments for this stone are dyeing and coating, with wax or resin, to improve the luster.

Caring

Lapis Lazuli can easily be scratched or chipped.

Water can dissolve the stone's protective coatings, so clean with a soft dry cloth.

Do not clean with ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner.

Avoid contact with chemicals.