Lapis Lazuli: A Vivid Blue More Precious Than Gold.

Lapis lazuli is a striking vivid blue gemstone that has been used in the decorative arts and jewellery for thousands of years. Prized by ancient Egyptian pharaohs, mentioned in the Bible and coveted as a rare pigment worth more than gold by Renaissance painters, lapis lazuli is still popular to this day.

If you are thinking of adding a piece of lapis lazuli jewellery to your collection, you may be interested to find out more before purchasing. Below is our guide to lapis lazuli, where you will learn:

1. What is lapis lazuli?
2. How is lapis lazuli used?
3. Why choose lapis lazuli jewellery?
4. How to care for lapis lazuli jewellery?

1. What is lapis lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is a precious gemstone with a rich and varied deep blue colour that seems to have come from the heavens. This is reflected in its name - lapis is Latin for "stone" and lazuli comes from “lājevard” the Persian word for sky or heavens - so quite literally a sky stone!

But rather than dropping from the heavens, lapis lazuli is found here on earth in a few ruggedly mountainous places. The main source is in the mountains of Afghanistan, with sites in Chile and Russia discovered in the 19th century, and smaller sources in Argentina, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, India, and the USA.

Different to many other gemstones that are composed of just one mineral, lapis lazuli is actually varying amounts of three minerals, lazurite (blue), calcite (white or clear), and pyrite (gold). The most valuable pieces of lapis lazuli are almost entirely lazurite, with or without flecks or veins of glinting yellow pyrite, allowing that rich deep blue to shine.

2. How is lapis lazuli used?

Believed to foster wisdom, healing and inner calm, lapis lazuli is also relatively durable, especially when polished, making it perfect for use in jewellery, art and ornamentation.

And given this heavenly beauty, durability and versatility, lapis lazuli has unsurprisingly been used in art and jewellery for thousands of years.

It was found on the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun, a headdress for a Sumerian queen, and was famously reported to be ground up for Cleopatra's eyeshadow! In the Renaissance, this ground form was highly prized as a blue pigment for paint. Known as ultramarine, this paint was worth even more than gold.

Given its rarity and rich colour, ultramarine was an extravagant display of wealth, denoting a highly prized and valuable painting. It was often used to paint the mantle of the Virgin Mary, strengthening the association with the heavens. Vermeer famously used it in his paintings, as did Michalangelo in the heavens of the Sistine Chapel.

Until relatively recently, ultramarine was also thought to be used in extravagant amounts in the Book of Kells. However recent research has shown that the enterprising monks used a much cheaper alternative: woad, a flowering plant that was cultivated in Ireland to produce more affordable blue dyes and pigments.

3. Why choose lapis lazuli jewellery?

Lapis lazuli has a rich and attractive colour

Just like the pharaohs or Cleopatra of ancient Egypt, or the artists of the Renaissance, many today are drawn to lapis lazuli for its deep and rich blue colour. Given it is a stone made of three minerals, this blue can vary. A high quality piece of lapis should be a rich, deep blue with relatively few visible white streaks and a sprinkling of gold.

This rich blue pairs beautifully with the cool tones of sterling silver but also looks smart contrasted with yellow or rose gold.

Lapis Lazuli is wearable and durable

Lapis is a relatively durable stone, especially when polished, but with a Mohs rating between 5 and 6 it is not as hard as precious minerals like diamond or sapphire. As lapis is usually used as polished cabochon or beads in most jewellery, this lower hardness is not an issue as it is not likely to chip or break. With care, a well-made piece of lapis jewellery can be worn daily and passed on as a treasured family heirloom.

Lapis lazuli is affordable

Thankfully the days of lapis lazuli costing more than gold are long gone! A piece of jewellery adorned with a lapis accent stone comes in at a significantly more accessible price point than sapphire or diamonds.

Lapis lazuli for wedding anniversaries

Lapis lazuli is also associated with wedding anniversaries, specifically for the ninth year. But we think adding stunning blue lapis to your jewellery collection really needs no other reason than it makes for striking and wearable pieces.

4. How to care for lapis lazuli jewellery?

If you already own a piece of lovely lapis lazuli jewellery, or are thinking of buying one and are wondering about how to keep it looking its best, here are our jewellery care tips.

Lapis jewellery benefits from regular care and maintenance just as with any piece of fine jewellery. You can read our general jewellery care tips here.

Avoid contact with chemicals

Given its relatively soft structure and the presence of the mineral calcite, lapis can be vulnerable to chemical damage. The calcium in the calcite can react with acids so be sure to keep them away from any chemicals including: cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, and especially common acids like lemon juice, or vinegar. Lapis lazuli can also scratch against materials like diamond, sapphire, or even steel, so be sure to store it safely away from other jewellery.

Lapis Lazuli jewellery from My Irish Jeweler

You are now well on your way to becoming a lapis expert. We are proud to offer our customers a beautiful selection of lapis lazuli jewellery designed and made here in Ireland.

So if you are thinking that a lapis piece might be for you, have a look at our selection or get in touch by email, phone, or by booking a virtual appointment. We would be delighted to answer any questions you might have.