About Lapis Lazuli Colours: Light Blue, Greenish Blue, Vibrant Blue, Violet. Hardness: 5 - 5 1/2

Lapis Lazuli occurs from the natural combination of Lazurite, Calcite, Diopside, and Pyrite. It is a stone of veined or mottled appearance and its value depends on a fine uniformity of colour. Lapis Lazuli is offered as Cabochons in the gem trade, but is commonly carved into beads and large ornamental objects. The world's prime resource for this vivid stone is Afghanistan.

Lazurite derives its name from the Arabic word Lazaward, meaning Heaven.

Lapis Lazuli is often used as a birthstone for December.