In this article
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Lapis lazuli (lajward) is not a single mineral but a rock, mostly blue lazurite mixed with white calcite, golden pyrite and sometimes other minerals. Its value depends on the balance between those ingredients. For thousands of years the finest lapis has come from the Badakhshan mountains of Afghanistan, close to Pakistan's own northern regions, and it remains a familiar stone in Pakistani markets.
The three ingredients, and what each means for value
Lazurite: the blue
The more intense and even the blue, the better. The most prized colour is a deep, slightly violet royal blue. Pale, greyish or patchy blue sits lower in the range.
Pyrite: the gold
Small, evenly scattered flecks of brassy pyrite, like stars in a night sky, are traditionally admired. Too much pyrite, especially large patches, lowers value, and so does pyrite that has dulled or tarnished.
Calcite: the white
White streaks and patches of calcite dilute the colour. The less calcite, the more valuable the stone, so top grades look almost entirely blue with only fine gold flecks.
Polish and texture
Good lapis takes a smooth, slightly waxy polish. A grainy, pitted or uneven surface suggests lower-quality material or rushed finishing.
Dye, wax and resin
Lapis is sometimes dyed to deepen its blue, and waxed or resin-impregnated to improve polish and hide calcite. A cotton bud with a little acetone, rubbed in a hidden spot, may pick up blue from dyed stone, but it can harm a waxed surface, so ask the seller rather than testing it yourself. We disclose treatments where known.
Sodalite, Swiss lapis and other look-alikes
- Sodalite: also blue, but usually with white veining and little or no golden pyrite.
- Dyed jasper ("Swiss lapis"): often too uniform, with no pyrite and colour that may concentrate in cracks.
- Reconstituted lapis and glass: can show a speckled, artificial look or bubbles under magnification.
Why lajward needs gentle handling
At 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale lapis is relatively soft and porous. It is better suited to pendants and earrings than a constantly worn ring. Keep it away from perfume, acids and chemicals, never use an ultrasonic cleaner, and wipe it with a damp cloth only.
Lajward and Shani
In South Asian practice lajward is linked to Saturn (Shani) and is worn for insight and honest speech. These are traditional beliefs, not promised results; see our rashi guide.
See it for yourself
Every stone in our lapis lazuli collection is inspected and photographed individually, so you can judge the blue, pyrite and calcite before ordering. Also see pearl or tourmaline. Urdu names are on our names page, and we deliver with Cash on Delivery to Lahore, Karachi and every other city.
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