Egyptian jewelers, Italian Renaissance pigment makers, and modern jewelry designers have all loved lapis lazuli for thousands of years. If you want to buy lapis lazuli for jewelry or spiritual support, it's important to know the difference between high-quality and low-quality stones.

This guide tells you about the different types of lapis lazuli stones, how much they cost, what makes a good stone, and how to tell the difference between real and fake ones.

What Is Lapis Lazuli and What Does It Look Like

Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock made of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Lapis is not see-through like other gemstones. Instead, it is valued for its deep color.

High-quality lapis lazuli displays:

• From deep royal blue to ultramarine blue
• Distribution of color that is even
• Small, fine pyrite flecks that look like gold dust
• A little bit of white calcite veining

Stones of lower quality look pale, grayish, too veined, or dull.

Types of Lapis Lazuli Available in the Market

Instead of strict gemological grades, lapis lazuli is often grouped by where it comes from and how it looks.

Afghan (Badakhshan) Lapis
Thought to be the best quality. Deep blue with only a little calcite and small pyrite spots.

Chilean Lapis
A lighter blue color with white calcite veins that stand out. Still natural, but worth less in general.

Russian Lapis
A balanced amount of pyrite inclusions gives it a mid to deep-blue color. Not as common, but still respected in the market.

Dyed or Reconstituted Lapis
Made from stone powder or low-quality material. These are cheap, but they don't last as long and aren't worth as much.

For read more details about healing factors of lapis lazuli: explore Healing Properties and Benefits of Lapis Lazuli: Meaning, Chakra, Uses & Care.

Key Characteristics That Define Quality Lapis Lazuli

When you want to know how good lapis lazuli is, look at these things:

Color
The most important thing. The best color is a deep, rich blue. Purple, green, or washed-out blue colors make things worth less.

Calcite Content
White streaks or patches make the quality worse. There isn't much or any visible calcite in premium lapis.

Pyrite Inclusions
Pyrite that is fine and evenly spread out can make things look better. You don't want big metal pieces or dull gray spots.

Texture
Lapis that is of good quality feels smooth and dense, not chalky or crumbly.

How to Identify Real Lapis Lazuli Stones

Look for these signs to tell if a lapis lazuli is real:

• A natural color change instead of a flat, even blue
• Pyrite flecks that are not shiny and not regular
• White calcite that looks like it's built in, not painted on
• Unlike plastic or resin, it feels cool when you touch it.

Using a cotton swab to rub acetone on the stone should not make the blue dye come off. If it does, the stone gets a new color.

for read more related gemstone you can read now List of Blue Gemstones for Calmness and Communication.

Fake Lapis Lazuli vs Natural Lapis Lazuli

Fake lapis is common and can look real at first.

Common Imitations

• Howlite or jasper that has been dyed
• Beads made of glass or ceramic
• Lapis that has been reconstituted from powdered stone

How to Tell the Difference

• Fakes usually have a color that is too bright or electric blue.
• Fake pyrite may look like it's been painted or glittered.
• Natural lapis has small flaws and depth.

If you're not sure, buy from sellers who are clear about what they do.

How to Choose Lapis Lazuli Stones for Jewelry Making

When making jewelry, consistency and durability are important.

Choose:

• Cabochons with the same color for rings and pendants

• Beads that are well-drilled and have smooth holes

• Stones that don't have cracks or edges that are falling apart

Avoid stones that are very soft or have a lot of veins if you plan to wear the piece every day.

How to Buy Lapis Lazuli Gemstones the Right Way

Before purchasing, always:

• Ask about where it came from and how it was treated
• Look at the rules for returns
• Instead of just looking at pictures, compare stones.
• Check out the seller's reviews and reputation.

It's often better to buy a high-quality stone that is a little smaller than a low-quality one that is a lot bigger.

Before making any gemstone investment, understand the difference between lab-grown and natural gems in Lab-Grown vs Natural Gemstones: What Every Jewelry Maker & Buyer Should Know.

Lapis Lazuli Price Per Carat and Value Factors

The price of lapis lazuli depends a lot on its quality.

Approximate Price Range

• Low grade: $1 to $5 for each carat
• Mid-grade: $5 to $15 per carat
• Afghan lapis of high quality costs between $20 and $100 per carat.

Beads and carvings are often sold per strand or piece rather than by carat weight. 

Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli Gemstones Safely

Many reputable online stores sell lapis lazuli gemstones; look for reliable gemstone vendors that provide verified sellers on Gemstone Displays. Avoid buying from online marketplaces that rely solely on stock photos and do not include information about treatments or enhancements done to the gemstones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Lapis Lazuli

• Assume that all blue stones labeled "lapis" are authentic lapis lazuli; many will not be, and some may even be treated, dyed, or enhanced.
• Overestimate the amount of heavy pyrite in the gemstone.
• Never ignore the dyeing/heat treatment process for lapis lazuli; dyed lapis lazuli is considered to be lower quality than untreated or natural lapis lazuli.
• Always purchase lapis lazuli based on quality, not just size.
• Do not use lapis lazuli in areas where it will be exposed to chemicals or water.

To summarize, many lapis lazuli gemstones are not genuine; a reputable vendor will sell only genuine gems, will provide the highest quality product, and will offer guarantees of satisfaction.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to lapis lazuli, quality is more important than perfection. A quality lapis lazuli stone has a beautiful blue color, has depth, and is authentic without modifications or dyes. Whether you're purchasing lapis lazuli to use in jewelry, add to your collection, or because you want it for your personal use, it pays to compare lapis lazuli stones and be certain of the authenticity.

First, look at the color, followed by a balance of calcite and pyrite, and then the overall cut quality and feel of the stone. Always purchase lapis lazuli from a reliable vendor who discloses the treatment and origin of the stone.

If you choose carefully, a quality lapis lazuli stone will remain timeless and recognizable for generations to come.

Short FAQ About Lapis Lazuli

Is lapis lazuli a real stone?

Yes. Lapis lazuli is a real stone that's made up of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.

Can lapis lazuli be dyed?

Yes. Most lapis lazuli stones that are low-grade (that don't meet the quality of high-grade stones) are dyed to enhance their colors. This dyeing process must always be disclosed by the vendor.

Can I wear lapis lazuli every day?

If you handle lapis lazuli with care, you may wear it daily; however, it is better to wear it on a pendant, earrings, or a ring that has been covered to protect it.

How can I tell if lapis lazuli is not real?

The bright blue color, flashing inclusion reflections, and evidence of acetate transfer during an acetone test are the most common indications that the lapis lazuli is not authentic.

What makes lapis lazuli so different?

The price depends on the color intensity, the amount of calcite, the amount of pyrite, the place of origin, and the overall quality.