Lapis Lazuli: Details on Value, Pricing, and Jewelry Usage
In the realm of precious gemstones, Lapis Lazuli stands out for its captivating deep blue hues and golden flecks. This mineral, composed of lazurite, haüyne, sodalite, and nosean, has been a favourite of collectors and jewelry lovers for thousands of years.
The value of Lapis Lazuli primarily revolves around four key factors: colour, size, surface quality, and inclusions.
Colour is the most critical factor. The highest value is given to stones exhibiting a deep, intense blue with violet undertones. Uniformity and fine grain in the blue color enhance value. Stones with a purer, vivid blue hue are most sought after.
Inclusions affect value differently depending on type. Small amounts of pyrite inclusions, the gold-colored flecks, can increase desirability, adding sparkle. However, the presence of calcite inclusions, white or grayish streaks or patches, generally lowers value because they lighten the color and detract from uniformity.
Size matters: larger stones are more valuable, as with most gems.
Cut and polish quality also influence price—smooth, highly polished stones and well-cut gems fetch higher prices, especially for jewelry use.
The origin of the Lapis Lazuli can also influence its value. Stones from historic sources such as the Sar-e-Sang mines in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan are particularly prized for their quality.
Streak testing a natural Lapis specimen should leave a light blue streak. Pyrite inclusions enhance the value of Lapis Lazuli in the eyes of many collectors and jewelry lovers.
It's worth noting that Lapis Lazuli value is determined almost exclusively by colour. Modern-era simulants include enamel, glass, plastic, and dyed gems such as howlite and jasper. Acid testing can be used to determine if a Lapis specimen is natural, releasing a smell of rotten egg (HS gas).
Archeologists have discovered artifacts with glass, blue paint, and blue ceramic materials as Lapis Lazuli imitations. Only Afghanistan and Pakistan yield the finest Lapis Lazuli in commercially interesting quantities. Sodalite is the only natural gemstone readily available in large enough sizes with a deep enough blue to be a convincing Lapis Lazuli simulant.
Lapis Lazuli has been used for art and jewelry since ancient times. The Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy, houses a 40.5 cm tall vase made of fine blue Lapis Lazuli material. Synthetic versions of Lapis Lazuli, produced by Pierre Gilson of Paris and Carroll Chatham in the United States, are also available, with many large jewelry supply houses offering these synthetic versions, with or without pyrite.
Polish quality and faceting artistry also affect the value of Lapis Lazuli, contributing to its enduring appeal in the world of precious gemstones.
The fascination with Lapis Lazuli spans thousands of years, extending beyond its deep blue hues and golden flecks into the realms of jewelry, fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and collectible gemstones.
The deep, intense blue with violet undertones is highly valued, with uniformity and fine grains in the blue color further elevating its worth. A purer, vivid blue hue commands the highest demand.
Inclusions, such as pyrite and calcite, can significantly impact the value of Lapis Lazuli. While pyrite, the gold-colored flecks, can increase desirability, calcite, white or grayish streaks or patches, generally lessens value due to color lightening and lack of uniformity.
Size and cut quality also play vital roles in determining Lapis Lazuli's value – larger, more beautifully cut stones command higher prices.
The origin of the Lapis Lazuli can influence its worth; stones from historical sources like the Sar-e-Sang mines in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan are particularly prized for their quality.
Streak testing a natural Lapis specimen should leave a light blue streak, while pyrite inclusions are often appreciated by collectors and jewelry lovers.
Archeologists have discovered imitations of Lapis Lazuli in the form of blue glass, paint, and ceramic materials. However, only Afghanistan and Pakistan yield the finest Lapis Lazuli in commercially significant quantities.
The timeless allure of Lapis Lazuli transcends into various aspects of our lives, including art, jewelry, and high-end shopping. Despite the availability of synthetic versions, its value remains undeniable, owing to superior Polish quality, faceting artistry, and the enduring charm it holds in the world of precious gemstones.
