Lapis gemstone

apis Lazuli is generally found in limestone and also has a significant amount of lazurite as well as pyrite, sodalite and mica. All of these components give the deep blue color of the stone additional flecks of gold, white and a bit of silver. Because of this, Lapis Lazuli is sometimes dyed an even darker and brighter blue to enhance the color. However, lapis lazuli that is dyed will eventually fade and not have the same color. As a result, it should only be dyed or stained if you have a really good reason.

Although the lapis lazuli is most popular in jewelry making because it can be polished to a bright shine, the gem has been used for much more then jewelry over the past thousands of years. It has been used for box carvings, amazing figurines and vases - just to name a few. It has also been used in architecture for things such as columns and mosaics. For years, many churches have been adorned with lapis lazuli and, in ancient times, lapis lazuli was used for seals and even for eye shadow! Some of the most beautiful statutes from the Renaissance period were carved from lapis lazuli.

Egyptians believed that Lapis Lazuli could be used as an aphrodisiac and also as a medicinal poultice to help open sores, ulcers, and the like. However this practice declined quickly because it was not overly helpful.

No matter how long it has been around, lapis lazuli still maintains its popularity in the jewelry industry. It is still jewelry fit for a king!