112.00 USD
This bracelet features 58 carats of Lapis Lazuli smooth oval beads along with a sterling silver clasp and sterling silver components.
Lapis Lazuli is actually a rock, an aggregate of several minerals. The three major minerals that comprise lapis Lazuli are lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Lazurite is the ingredient responsible for producing the gem’s most prized color—bright royal blue.
Although many people associate lapis with dark blue, it’s also found in other shades of blue, and even other hues. Its color can range from deep violet blue and royal blue to light blue to turquoise blue to a greenish blue. The combination of different minerals in the aggregate determines the color. For example, lazurite is responsible for producing royal blue lapis, while a mineral called afghanite creates a pale blue shade.
Worldwide, lapis is mined in several areas. The traditional source of the finest lapis lazuli is the same today as it was thousands of years ago—the mountains of Afghanistan. Other major sources are Chile and Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Minor sources are Angola, Canada, Colorado (US), and Pakistan.
These Lapis Lazuli beads were mined in Afghanistan.