Lapis Lazuli: Meaning, Color, Properties & Facts
What Is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest gemstones known to human history, prized for its deep, celestial blue color since ancient times. Unlike most gemstones, Lapis is not a single mineral but a rock — a blend of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite fused together, which is what gives each piece its signature look: rich blue with golden flecks and soft white veining.
The finest Lapis in the world still comes from the Sar-e-Sang mines in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, a region that has been mined continuously for more than 6,000 years — making it possibly the oldest continuously worked gemstone deposit on Earth.
Color and Appearance
Lapis Lazuli's color comes from three minerals working together:
- Lazurite — the deep royal blue base color
- Pyrite — small golden flecks scattered through the stone, often called "fool's gold"
- Calcite — white or grey veining running through the blue
The most prized Lapis has a deep, even, ultramarine-blue color with fine gold pyrite flecks and minimal calcite. Stones with heavier white veining are generally considered lower grade, though many collectors love the natural, marbled look.
Available Lapis Lazuli Cabochons
Here's a look at real pieces currently in stock — every cabochon is one of a kind, so once a piece sells it won't be restocked in the exact same shape and pattern.
 Square, 9ct — $2.25 |
 Cushion, 19ct — $4.75 |
 Pear, 10.5ct — $2.63 |
 Coffin, 16.5ct — $4.13 |
 Coffin, 13ct — $3.25 |
 Coffin, 14.5ct — $3.63 |
Key Facts
| Composition | Lazurite, calcite, pyrite (a rock, not a single mineral) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5 – 5.5 |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Lustre | Vitreous to greasy |
| Primary source | Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan, Afghanistan |
| Other sources | Chile, Russia, United States |
| Birthstone month | December |
| Zodiac association | Sagittarius |
With a hardness of 5–5.5, Lapis is softer than many gemstones and benefits from protective settings for rings — pendants and earrings, where it sees less impact, are especially well suited to it.
A Stone With History
Long before it reached modern jewelry, ground Lapis Lazuli was used to make ultramarine, the brilliant blue pigment used by Renaissance painters — including in some of the most famous paintings in history. Egyptian royalty used it in burial masks and jewelry, and it has been traded across civilizations for thousands of years as a symbol of wisdom, truth, and royalty.
Why Collectors Love It
- Instantly recognizable — few stones have as distinctive a look as deep blue Lapis with gold pyrite flecks.
- A genuine piece of history — mined from the same source used for thousands of years.
- Versatile in jewelry — pairs beautifully with both sterling silver and gold.
- Naturally one-of-a-kind — no two pieces show the same pattern of blue, gold, and white.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli
- Clean with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth
- Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners — Lapis is porous and can absorb liquids
- Store separately from harder stones to prevent scratching
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can dull the color over time
Shop Lapis Lazuli at Pedra Gems
Every Lapis Lazuli cabochon in our collection is hand-cut and polished in our Jaipur workshop with a flat back finish, sourced as genuine Afghan lapis. Because natural color and veining vary piece to piece, we photograph and list each cabochon individually.
Browse our Lapis Lazuli Cabochon Collection →
Looking for a finished piece instead? Check out our ExoPearl Lapis Lazuli Healing Collection for sterling silver pendant settings featuring natural gemstone cabochons.
