How Rare is Lapis Lazuli in Real Life?
Lapis lazuli, in its truly fine material, is relatively rare, though not nearly as rare as diamonds or some other precious gemstones. While lower grades of lapis are commercially available, the deeply saturated blue, inclusion-free (or near inclusion-free) lapis, with minimal calcite and well-distributed pyrite flecks, is considerably harder to come by. Its value stems not only from its relative scarcity but also from its historical significance, vibrant color, and enduring appeal.
The Complexities of Lapis Lazuli’s Rarity
Understanding the rarity of lapis lazuli requires considering several factors, including its geological formation, the quality of available material, and the accessibility of its source locations.
Geological Formation
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock, not a single mineral. This means it’s formed through the transformation of existing rocks under intense heat and pressure. It’s primarily composed of lazurite, which gives it its characteristic blue color, along with varying amounts of calcite (white streaks) and pyrite (golden flecks). Its formation requires specific geological conditions, which limits its occurrence to only a few regions worldwide.
Quality and Grading
The market value and perceived rarity of lapis lazuli are heavily influenced by its quality. Lapis is graded based on several factors:
- Color: The most desirable lapis has a deep, intense, uniform blue color.
- Inclusions: The presence of white calcite is generally considered undesirable, while small amounts of pyrite are acceptable and even add character. Excessive pyrite, however, can diminish the value.
- Texture: A smooth, even texture is preferred over a coarse or uneven one.
- Size: Larger pieces of high-quality lapis are rarer and command higher prices.
Lower-grade lapis, with significant calcite or poor color saturation, is far more common than gem-quality material. Therefore, while lapis itself isn’t exceedingly rare, high-quality lapis is a different story.
Source Locations
Lapis lazuli is found in a limited number of locations worldwide. The most historically significant and consistently high-quality source is the Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. These mines have been in operation for over 7,000 years. Other sources include Chile, Siberia, Angola, Argentina, Burma, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, India, and the United States (California and Colorado). However, the lapis from these locations often varies in quality, making the Afghan material the gold standard. The remoteness and political instability of some source regions can further complicate its extraction and availability, adding to its perceived rarity and market value.
Factors Affecting Lapis Lazuli’s Perceived Rarity
Beyond the geological and geographical aspects, social and economic factors also play a role in shaping the perception of lapis lazuli’s rarity.
Historical Significance
Lapis lazuli has been prized for millennia, used by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Sumerians in jewelry, carvings, and pigments. This historical association with royalty, power, and spirituality has cemented its status as a valuable and desirable gemstone, contributing to its perceived rarity.
Market Demand
The demand for lapis lazuli fluctuates with fashion trends and cultural preferences. Increased demand can drive up prices and make it seem rarer, while decreased demand can have the opposite effect.
Synthetic Alternatives
The development of synthetic lapis lazuli has further complicated the perception of rarity. While synthetic lapis can mimic the appearance of natural lapis, it lacks the unique qualities and historical value of the genuine article. The availability of synthetic lapis can depress the market for lower-grade natural lapis, but it generally doesn’t significantly impact the value of high-quality material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while lapis lazuli isn’t as rare as diamonds or some other gemstones, truly fine material is relatively scarce. The combination of specific geological formation requirements, limited high-quality source locations, historical significance, and fluctuating market demand contribute to its perceived rarity and enduring appeal. The next time you admire a piece of vibrant blue lapis, remember the complex factors that have made it a treasured gemstone for thousands of years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the rarity, value, and properties of lapis lazuli:
1. How much does real lapis lazuli cost?
The price of real lapis lazuli varies widely depending on the quality. Lower grades may sell for less than $1 per carat, while superfine material can reach $100–150 per carat or more at retail. Perfect gem quality Lapis Lazuli can reach from $70 to $1000 per gram, $1750 – $25000 per oz.
2. What is the ideal color for lapis lazuli?
The ideal color for lapis lazuli is a deep, saturated blue, sometimes described as royal blue, indigo, midnight, or marine blue. It should be uniform and free from excessive white calcite streaks.
3. Is lapis lazuli a precious or semi-precious stone?
Lapis lazuli is generally considered a semi-precious stone.
4. Can you wear lapis lazuli every day?
Yes, lapis lazuli is relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear, but it can be scratched.
5. How can you tell if lapis lazuli is real?
Real lapis lazuli often has minor imperfections, including white calcite streaks and golden pyrite flecks. If a stone is perfectly and completely deep blue without any such inclusions, it may be synthetic or a simulant.
6. Is lapis lazuli worth more than gold?
In antiquity, ultramarine pigment derived from lapis lazuli was more precious than gold. However, today, gold is typically more valuable than lapis lazuli, although exceptionally high-quality lapis can command significant prices.
7. What are the spiritual properties of lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is believed to promote inner peace, intuition, wisdom, and spiritual growth. It’s also associated with royalty, strength, and courage.
8. Which zodiac signs are best suited to wear lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is considered astrologically suitable for Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.
9. Where is lapis lazuli mostly found?
Lapis lazuli is primarily found in Afghanistan, but also in Chile, Siberia, Angola, Argentina, Burma, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, India, and the United States (California and Colorado).
10. Is lapis lazuli a mineral or a rock?
Lapis lazuli is a rock, meaning it’s an aggregate of several minerals, primarily lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.
11. How do you care for lapis lazuli jewelry?
Clean lapis lazuli jewelry with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
12. Does lapis lazuli always have gold (pyrite) in it?
Not always. While pyrite inclusions are common in lapis lazuli, the finest quality material has a minimal amount of pyrite.
13. How does the Games Learning Society relate to gemstones like lapis lazuli?
While seemingly unrelated, the study of gemstones and minerals can be gamified and used as a fascinating educational tool to teach about geology, chemistry, history, and economics. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ are dedicated to exploring how games and game-like elements can enhance learning across diverse subjects. Consider how a game could be developed around identifying, mining, and trading gemstones like lapis lazuli, promoting engagement and knowledge retention.
14. How can you activate or charge lapis lazuli?
You can charge lapis lazuli by placing it in moonlight, in a bowl with tumbled hematite, clear quartz, or selenite, by smudging it, or by holding it in your dominant hand and setting a clear intention.
15. Is synthetic lapis lazuli easy to identify?
Synthetic lapis lazuli can be difficult to distinguish from natural lapis without specialized equipment. However, it often has a too-perfect appearance, lacking the natural imperfections found in genuine lapis. A trained gemologist can usually identify synthetic lapis.