Lapis Lazuli

Lapis is a shortened form of lapis lazuli. In fact, the abbreviation "Lapis" is more frequently used to refer to this gemstone than the full name "Lapis Lazuli". Seldom is there any white Calcite found in lapis lazuli. The majority of lapis lazuli contains Embedded Pyrite crystals, which increase the brilliance and naturalness of this gemstone and make it more appealing when uniformly dispersed in modest numbers. This gemstone is more expensive if it is a darker shade of blue and if there are only a few spots or streaks of white Calcite.

Lapis Lazuli is a delicate gemstone that can readily shattered or chipped when struck. Although occasionally lighter colored stones may be tinted a darker blue, lapis lazuli's hue is naturally occurring and isn't typically altered or increased.

The Gilson method has been used to produce a synthetic imitation of lapis lazuli. While Gilson Lapis has a similar appearance to Lapis Lazuli, it is not constructed of the same materials and doesn't have the same natural random patterns that are present in most genuine Lapis Lazuli. Jasper and howlite can also be tinted an ultramarine blue hue to resemble lapis lazuli.

Lapis may be used to make decorations, jewelry, carvings, boxes, mosaics, miniature figurines, and vases. It also polishes beautifully. Lapis may be used to create both interior decor and finishing touches for structures. The iconostasis of Saint Isaac's Church in Saint Petersburg is framed by two columns made of lapis. To create the pigment ultramarine for use in frescos and oil painting during the Renaissance, lapis was pulverized and treated. As a chemically equivalent synthetic variant became accessible, its use as an oil paint pigment generally came to an end during the early 19th century. Using the Gilson technique, which is also used to produce synthetic ultramarine and hydrous zinc phosphates, lapis lazuli is commercially produced or imitated. Spinel, sodalite, colored jasper, or howlite are further options for replacements.