Lapis Lazuli Details: Value, Cost, and Jewelry Insights
In the world of jewellery, lapis lazuli stands out as a captivating gemstone, known for its deep, vivid blue hue with violet undertones. This gemstone, composed of lazurite, haüyne, sodalite, and nosean, has a rich history and a growing popularity in the jewellery industry.
The value of lapis lazuli is primarily determined by its colour quality. A deep, intense blue with violet tones is at the apex of lapis lazuli value. Lighter or uneven colours reduce its worth. The gemstone's value is also influenced by the presence of inclusions, particularly pyrite specks, which are often seen as attractive and can increase its value, while calcite streaks or patches tend to lower it by lightening the colour or creating an uneven appearance.
The texture of lapis lazuli plays a significant role in its value as well. Fine-grained and uniform stones that can be highly polished fetch higher prices due to their smooth, lustrous finish. Skillful cutting and smooth polishing improve the aesthetics and thus the value of lapis lazuli. Larger stones are also more valuable, assuming quality remains high.
Origin also plays a role in the value of lapis lazuli. Stones from Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly high-quality specimens from the Sar-e-Sang district, are considered the most valuable.
Lapis lazuli is not only a beautiful gemstone but also a versatile one. It is commonly set in rings and bracelets, but it has found a niche in denim and country-western clothing, with lapis lazuli from Chile being sold as "denim lapis".
However, lapis lazuli requires some care as a jewellery stone due to its hardness of 5-6. It may need periodic re-polishing to maintain its lustre. It is essential to remember that both acid and streak testing, which are destructive tests, should only be conducted by a professional gemologist.
In recent times, there has been a growing trend to set fine-quality lapis lazuli in gold, complementing diamonds or colored gems. Modern lapis lazuli simulants include enamel, glass, plastic, and dyed gems like howlite and jasper. However, these simulants cannot replicate the natural beauty and value of genuine lapis lazuli.
Synthetic lapis lazuli may be available with or without pyrite. Acid testing can determine if a lapis specimen is natural, releasing a rotten egg odour when reacted with hydrochloric acid. On the other hand, streak testing a natural lapis specimen should leave a light blue streak.
Lapis lazuli has a long and rich history, with the ancient Egyptians using glass and blue ceramic materials as lapis lazuli imitations. Today, lapis lazuli continues to captivate jewellery lovers and collectors alike with its unique beauty and value.
References: [1] "Lapis Lazuli: Value, Pricing, and Jewelry Information." International Gem Society, www.gemsociety.org/gems/lapis-lazuli. [2] "Lapis Lazuli." GemSelect, www.gemselect.com/gemstones/lapis-lazuli-gemstone-information. [3] "Lapis Lazuli." Gemstone.org, www.gemstone.org/gems/lapis-lazuli.
- In addition to jewelry, lapis lazuli is also finding its place in fashion and beauty, as well as home and garden, increasingly appearing in denim and country-western clothing.
- The glamorous world of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle is not the only domain where lapis lazuli shines; it also complements food-and-drink experiences, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Travelers who are passionate about meaningful souvenirs may find their interest piqued by the unique home-and-garden decorative items crafted from lapis lazuli, adding a captivating exotic flair to their personal spaces.
- For the adventurous traveler, a journey to the Afgan-Pakistani border or the mines of Chile might present a rare opportunity to witness the origination of some of the most valuable lapis lazuli gemstones, offering an immersive experience that combines travel, gemstones, and culture.
