Known in Urdu as Lajward
Natural Lapis Lazuli (Lajward) Stone in Pakistan
Lapis lazuli, known as Lajward in Urdu and Persian, is a deep royal-blue stone sparkling with flecks of golden pyrite, and the world's most famous lapis has been mined in Afghanistan's Badakhshan mountains for thousands of years. Each piece on this page is a single natural stone, usually a cabochon, photographed as it is and priced individually.
- Stones listed
- 39
- Delivery
- Flat Rs. 500 shipping
Lapis Lazuli
Showing 1–20 of 39 stones
Lapis Lazuli stones
A rock, not a single mineral
Unlike most gems, lapis is a rock made of several minerals. Lazurite provides the blue, pyrite adds the gold specks, and white calcite appears as streaks or patches. The balance between these three decides how a stone looks and what it is worth. Lapis rates about 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is softer than quartz. Ground lapis was once the source of ultramarine, the costly blue pigment used by painters for centuries.
Grading Lajward, from finest to everyday
| Appearance | What it means for value |
|---|---|
| Even, intense royal or violet-blue, fine scattered pyrite, almost no white | The most prized grade |
| Strong blue with some larger pyrite patches or light white veining | Good quality at a moderate rate |
| Paler, greyish or denim blue with noticeable white calcite | More affordable, still natural |
Polish, shape and size also play a part. Because each listing is one stone, its per-carat rate is simply price divided by carat weight.
Why Badakhshan matters
The Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, are among the oldest working gem mines in the world and are known for the deep blue that sets the standard for lapis. Much of the lapis reaching Pakistan comes from this region, and where we know a stone's source we state it.
Fakes and treatments
Lapis is widely imitated. Dyed jasper (sometimes sold as "Swiss lapis"), dyed howlite, reconstituted powder bound in resin, and glass with metallic flecks are all common. Some genuine lapis is also dyed or waxed to improve its colour. Signs of dye include colour that looks blotchy, concentrates in cracks, or rubs off onto a cloth; perfectly round or uniformly spaced "gold" flecks are a clue to glass. We inspect every stone, disclose treatment where known, and a certificate of authenticity is available on request.
Lajward in history and belief
Lapis adorned kings, scholars and religious art across the ancient world. It is traditionally regarded as a stone of wisdom, truth and inner peace. These are beliefs rather than guaranteed effects, and many people wear it simply for its colour.
Caring for your lapis lazuli
Lapis is fairly soft and slightly porous. Keep it away from perfume, acids and hot water, clean it with a soft damp cloth, and store it separately to avoid scratches.
Ordering lapis from GemStore
You get the exact stone you see. Orders are sent by insured, tracked courier to every city in Pakistan for a flat Rs. 500 per order, and Cash on Delivery lets you check the stone before paying. Unused stones can be returned within 7 days of delivery. For other blue stones, explore our Neelam and Feroza collections.
Lapis Lazuli price per ratti in Pakistan
Worked out from the lapis lazuli GemStore lists, grouped by weight. Per-ratti figures use the standard gem ratti of 0.91 carat; the price of each stone is the one on its own listing. Use the carat to ratti converter or see all gemstone prices.
| Weight | Weights | Stones | Per carat | Per ratti |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 6 carat | 5.7 – 6.0 ct | 2 | Rs 360 – Rs 370 | Rs 330 – Rs 340 |
| 6 – 10 carat | 6.0 – 9.8 ct | 9 | Rs 370 – Rs 380 | Rs 340 – Rs 350 |
| Over 10 carat | 10.3 – 44.7 ct | 28 | Rs 80 – Rs 380 | Rs 70 – Rs 350 |
Want it in a ring? Get this stone set in a silver ring — pick a stone here, send your ring size, and we confirm on WhatsApp.
Keep reading: Our lapis lazuli guide · Urdu & English stone names
Related stones: Tourmaline · Aqeeq · Emerald · Labradorite · Red Coral · Ruby