Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. It is a rock, which means its an aggregate of several minerals, and contains three minerals in varying amounts: lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Lapis frequently contains varying amounts of whitish calcite matrix, flecks or veins of glinting yellow pyrite, or both. The gem can also have a smoothly uniform body color, free of visible pyrite and calcite. Lapis is semitranslucent to opaque, with a waxy to vitreous luster. It has fair toughness, and its hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, depending on the mix of minerals.
The name "lapis lazuli" means "blue stone". It has been used for inlay and intarsia as well as for pigments for cosmetics and paintings. Jewelers frequently set lapis lazuli in silver and create modestly priced pieces. However, there is a growing trend to emulate the artisans of earlier times and set fine-quality stones in gold, complementing diamonds or colored gems. Lapis makes a good choice for mens jewelry because of its rich, blue color (which makes it easy to color coordinate). Its fairly tough, doesnt easily show wear, and takes an excellent polish.
Lapis lazuli has a rich history and symbolism, and has fascinated people for millennia. It has been prized for its bright, blue color and used for religious significance and reflected the high status of rulers. Cylinder seals carved from lapis lazuli were used to impress official seals, signatures, or religious inscriptions on wet clay. Lapis lazuli has also been used for its healing properties, as it is believed to promote wisdom and self-expression.
