Definition of Lapis
Lapis is shorthand for the gemstone lapis lazuli. This semiprecious stone is light blue in color. It's been used for a variety of purposes such as jewelry, cabochons and carvings.
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Identification
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The stone is a mixture of lazurite, calcite and pyrite. Some stones have more or less of the three minerals.
History
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Lapis lazuli was one of the first gemstones to be used in jewelry; it was mined at least six thousand years ago in Badakshan, a province of Afghanistan.
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Geography
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The stones of greatest quality are mined in Afghanistan, but lapis is also found in Siberia, Chili, the United States, Pakistan and Canada.
Significance
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On the Mohs scale, which checks for the stone's hardness, lapiz lazuli is rated 5 to 7, and the specific gravity of the stone is 2.7 to 2.9.
Fun Fact
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Lapis is the Persian name for blue. Lapis lazuli is the traditional birthstone for the month of December.
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