Lapis lazuli is an ultramarine-blue rock flecked with golden pyrite, of medium hardness (5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale), which tradition links to wisdom, truth and communication. Historic and sensitive, it needs a little care. Here's what it is and how to choose it.
Lapis lazuli isn't a single mineral but a rock, made mainly of lazurite (the deep blue), calcite (white veins) and pyrite (golden flecks). Its hardness (5 to 5.5) is moderate and it is slightly porous: it dislikes water, salt and cosmetics. Used since antiquity, it also produced the ultramarine pigment.
In crystal tradition, lapis lazuli is the stone of wisdom, truth and communication. These virtues are traditions and beliefs: they are not scientifically demonstrated and replace no medical advice (see sources).
Its medium hardness and porosity make it better suited to a pendant, earrings or a low-water bracelet. A fine lapis shows a deep, even blue with fine pyrite; beware imitations (dyed jasper, resin). See our natural stone jewellery guide.
A barely damp soft cloth, no soaking, salt or ultrasonics. Keep it away from perfume and prolonged water.
Tradition links it to wisdom, truth and communication. These virtues are beliefs, with no scientifically demonstrated effect, and replace no medical advice.
It shows a deep ultramarine blue, often dotted with fine golden pyrite and white calcite veins. A too-uniform blue with no inclusions may reveal an imitation (dyed jasper or resin).
Better avoided: of medium hardness and slightly porous, it dislikes prolonged water, salt and cosmetics. Simply clean it with a barely damp soft cloth.
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