Lapis lazuli

The name comes from the Persian lapis lazuli "blue". This mineral is known long ago. Crystals of his rare, usually found in the form of the Azure rock.

The name comes from the Persian lapis lazuli blue

Fig.1. Lapis lazuli and spinel, Pamir.

Lapis lazuli is opaque. The color is violet and indigo blue (in Afghanistan), sky blue, light blue, greenish-blue, yellow. Lapis lazuli has the same color with white and gray spots (carbonates, feldspars, etc.), bright golden inclusions and bright bronze pyrite. White spots reduce and increase the inclusion of pyrite decorative stone dignity and value.

Lapis lazuli is very revered in the East. His beautiful color it resembles the heavenly azure. In Egypt it was called "sky stone" and was considered sacred. As early as the 4th millennium BC it was used for the manufacture of amulets, figurines of sacred scarab beetles, figurines and ornaments. Chief Justice wore on the chest a small statue of the goddess of truth Azure. Blue lapis decorated gold products. Statue of Pharaoh Tuthmosis 3 was covered with gold and lapis lazuli. In Mesopotamia lazurite prized above gold. Highly prized it and in ancient China. In particular, it produced balls for hats of mandarins - a symbol and emblem of power.

In ancient Rome, lapis lazuli was revered almost as much as sapphire.

Almost the only place in the world where lapis lazuli was mined, was Afghanistan.

From this he penetrated into India, Persia, China, and more throughout the East.

The Baikal lapis lazuli was opened in the late 18th century, it was found in Chile and the Pamirs

Fig.2. Lapis lazuli and articles thereof.

The Baikal lapis lazuli was opened in the late 18th century, it was found in Chile and the Pamirs.

Lapis lazuli is used for the manufacture of rings, bracelets, and so on. The price for them is the same as ruby, topaz and amethyst.

In ancient times in India, Persia, Greece, Rome, and then in the Renaissance lapis lazuli used for the production of the precious ultramarine paint.

For this lazurite burnt by fire, triturated to a fine powder and washed with water. Blue powder obtained is then mixed with the resin, wax and oil. Ultramarine thanks to its clean, clear and strong tones, valued very highly. Paintings by Titian, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci painted ultramarine. It was indispensable for centuries, and only in the 19th century it was replaced by synthetic paint.

From ancient times, lapis lazuli was considered curative. For example, if you wear it on your arm, it improves the blood, strengthens sleep and relieves depression.

In our time, used as jewelry and ornamental lapis lazuli. Used in the form of cabochons in rings, earrings, pendants, pendants, brooches, beads. Produce from it a variety of decorative items, such as boxes, vases and others.

Deposit: Afghanistan - the best in the world, has been known for about 7000 years, Chile, Canada and others.

Tools