Lapis lazuli – the name alone suggests that this is a very special stone . Tarboz offers this exceptional gemstone in various variations. Whether you want to enjoy the raw gemstone or are looking for exceptional quality lapis lazuli jewelry, Tarboz is your experienced partner when it comes to purchasing gemstones. Before you browse our online shop for the perfect stone or piece of jewelry, we at Tarboz invite you to learn more about the history and significance of the lapis lazuli gemstone, its color, and the use of its pigments in our following gemology.

The word lapis lazuli is composed of two words. Lapis is Latin and means "stone," while lazuli comes from the Arabic, or more specifically Persian, region and means "sky blue." Thus, the melodious name simply refers to the sky-blue stone, based on its color and material.

The blue hue of lapis lazuli gemstones can vary from deep royal blue to turquoise-green . The lighter color depends on trace elements contained in the gemstone, such as afghanite. The blue lazurite, on the other hand, provides the vibrant blue hue. An excess of other minerals makes the stone appear turquoise, thus reducing its value.

As early as the Middle Ages, the blue pigment of lapis lazuli, which originated in Afghanistan, was used to produce ultramarine blue , which was used in art. Since natural ultramarine was very rare, the blue dye was even worth its weight in gold at the time. Albrecht Dürer also recognized the effect of ultramarine blue in his works. Only later were processes developed to artificially produce the color pigments of this shade, also known as Fra Angelico Blue.

But long before the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was known for its color and was probably the first gemstone ever used as a jewelry stone. There is evidence that the precious, blue mineral was mined as early as 6000-7000 BC. The stone was revered as sacred not only by the ancient Egyptians. The blue gemstone was also considered highly significant in Mesopotamia, Mexico, and the empires of the East.

The most important deposits of lapis lazuli are found in the Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan . These deposits also produce the finest quality of this precious stone. However, other locations of this dark blue stone in Russia, Iran, Tajikistan, Chile, and California are also important for the global lapis lazuli trade.

According to Egyptian belief, the earth rested on a gigantic lapis lazuli, which gave the sky its blue color. Scarabs were engraved with lapis and represented immortality. Thus, the dark blue gemstone was also very popular with the pharaohs. It is said that Cleopatra applied a special blue eyeshadow made from lapis lazuli pigment. Lapis lazuli also has a long history of use as a healing stone.

The Lapis Lazuli healing stone is said to have a variety of positive effects . It is used for

• Skin diseases
• Headache
• high blood pressure and
• Depression.

In addition, the healing stone is considered a stone of truth and friendship and, especially when tumbled, is said to open the forehead chakra, the so-called third eye.

While we can't scientifically prove whether gemstones truly have healing properties, we do know about the positive psychological effects that jewelry can have when given as a gift or worn. Boost your chakra with the healing stone lapis lazuli. At Tarboz, you'll find this versatile healing stone in various forms, including tumbled stones.

How does the blue rough stone actually form? Metamorphic processes in different types of rock such as

• Marble
• Gneis
• Amphibolites and
• Peridotites

contribute to the formation of lapis lazuli rough. Sulfur, dolomite, and afghanite are also components of the development of blue lapis lazuli. The gemstone lapis lazuli contains the components lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. Pigments from diopside, sodalite, and other minerals can also be found in the gemstone.

On the so-called Mohs scale , which determines the hardness of a mineral from 1-10, lapis lazuli lies between 5 and 5.5 and has a density of 2.50 to 3.00.

The fine, golden pigments of pyrite are particularly indicative of the stone's authenticity and quality. However, the higher the proportion of pyrite and calcite, the less suitable the stone is as a gemstone, especially since these influence the color.

The stone can be confused with

• Sodalite
• Lazulite
• Azurith
• Dumortierite.

In German-speaking countries, a jasper-based lapis imitation exists, sold as "German Lapis" or "Swiss Lapis." Some artificial imitations have also been produced. Imitations treated in an ultrasonic bath or with ammonia leave stains that cannot be removed. This property is not present in genuine lapis lazuli.

The world's largest lapis lazuli can be found in Vienna. Opposite the Chancellery stands the so-called Water Wave Life Fountain. It was crafted from the largest lapis lazuli monolith ever found in the Chilean Andes. Sculptor Hans Muhr used this to create the unique fountain, which was first exhibited at the 1998 World Expo in Lisbon and found a permanent home in Vienna in 2000.

To ensure you enjoy your lapis lazuli jewelry for a long time, we at Tarboz recommend polishing the stone only with a soft, slightly damp cloth . Because lapis lazuli is relatively hard, the surface can scratch easily.

Whether a necklace, earrings, brooch, or other form, deep blue lapis lazuli jewelry proves to be timelessly beautiful. Combined with gold, white gold, and even sterling silver, it creates stunning creations that combine sophistication and elegance. The stone of kings and pharaohs remains a coveted gemstone today, crafted into high-quality jewelry in a variety of styles, shapes, and designs. The cabochon cut, for example, particularly emphasizes the gemstone's unique shimmer. Tumbled, the blue stone also makes a perfect simple accessory.

Tarboz offers an exclusive selection of hand-picked lapis lazuli jewelry. Find the perfect gift or treat yourself to delicate goldsmith work that perfectly showcases the faceted stone and all its qualities. You can also purchase the raw stone from Tarboz and either enjoy its natural beauty or have it crafted into a truly personalized piece of jewelry.

For example, have your trusted jeweler craft beautiful earrings made of genuine lapis lazuli. Or browse our shop for finely crafted stud earrings that you can wear both everyday and at special events. Feel free to browse our online shop now and select the finest lapis lazuli jewelry!