Lapis Lazuli Guide

Stone guide · Lapis Lazuli

Midnight blue with flecks of gold. Lapis lazuli has been prized for thousands of years, and it still looks like nothing else in a bead bracelet.

Lapis Lazuli Bracelet, Sterling Silver, 10mm | Castello Jewels
TypeRock, not a single mineral
Hardness5 to 5.5
LookDeep blue, golden flecks
BirthstoneDecember

What it is

Lapis lazuli is a rock made mostly of the blue mineral lazurite, with white calcite and golden flecks of pyrite. The best-known source is Afghanistan, where it has been mined for thousands of years. The name combines the Latin word for stone with the old word for blue. The golden specks are normal and a sign of a natural stone.

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A stone with a long history

Lapis lazuli was set into jewelry and ornaments in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was also ground into a deep blue pigment, known for centuries as ultramarine, which painters valued as highly as gold. For many people the stone stands for wisdom and honesty. That is tradition and symbolism, not a medical claim.

Once ground into the most precious blue in a painter's box.

Lapis in our jewelry

Lapis is a favorite in our Aegean line, where the deep blue sits against gold plating and warm jasper. It also pairs well with simple silver.

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What to pair it with

  • Gold plating: blue and gold is a classic, warm combination.
  • Coral red: a bold, Mediterranean mix.
  • Jasper: earthy greens and browns calm the deep blue.
  • Silver: a clean, cool look that keeps the stone in focus.

Caring for lapis

Lapis is softer than quartz and porous in places, so it likes gentle treatment.

  • Keep it away from water, perfume, hand sanitizer and acids.
  • Wipe with a soft dry cloth.
  • Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
  • Take it off for sport, showers and swimming.

Questions people ask

Is lapis lazuli a real gemstone?

Yes. It is a natural rock. The golden flecks are pyrite and the white veins are calcite.

Are the gold flecks real?

Yes. They are natural pyrite and are normal in genuine lapis.

Can I wear lapis every day?

You can, with care. It is softer than quartz stones, so keep it dry and avoid knocks.

Is lapis for men or women?

Both. Deep blue is popular in men's bracelets and in fine necklaces alike.

Handmade in Rhodes with natural stones and 925 sterling silver.
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