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Lapis Lazuli

Typical Origin Afghanistan (notably Badakhshan), Tajikistan, Chile and Russia

Material Type Rock

MATERIAL OVERVIEW

The Material

Lapis Lazuli is a blue rock material composed of several minerals, commonly showing rich royal-blue to blue-violet colour with white calcite veining and metallic-looking pyrite grains. The relative amount of each component changes the appearance of every piece.

Polishing can deepen the blue body colour and make calcite veins and pyrite grains more visible across the finished carving. Natural variation in mineral content is expected from piece to piece.

VISIBLE CHARACTER

Finished Material Character

See how natural banding, colour variation, and surface character remain visible after carving and polishing.

MATERIAL NOTES

Reference

Material Type: Rock
Typical Origin: Afghanistan (notably Badakhshan), Tajikistan, Chile and Russia
Natural Variation: Expected from piece to piece

MATERIAL JOURNAL

Learn More About Lapis Lazuli

Continue with a deeper note on the material, its visible character, and what to look for in a finished carving.

READ THE MATERIAL NOTE

Lapis-lazuli | Pierre de perspicacité et de concentration

A collector-focused guide to lapis lazuli, covering its mineral composition, blue color, pyrite and calcite patterns, carving behavior, identification and care.

Read Article

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