Where is Lapis Lazuli found?
Lapis Lazuli
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Open the appLapis Lazuli occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Lapis Lazuli
Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
The most significant and historically important source, producing the finest quality Lapis Lazuli for over 6,000 years. Occurs in marble xenoliths within granitic intrusions.
Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia
Another important source, producing high-quality material, often with a slightly different hue and less pyrite than Afghan material.
Ovalle, Coquimbo Region, Chile
Produces a lighter blue Lapis Lazuli, often with more prominent white calcite veining. Discovered in the early 20th century.
Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
More recent discoveries, producing material of varying quality.
Colorado, USA
Minor occurrences, typically not of gem quality, but of geological interest.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Focus on areas with contact metamorphic zones, especially where limestone or marble has been intruded by granitic rocks. Look for skarn-like environments.
- Associated Minerals. Lapis Lazuli is almost always found with calcite (white), pyrite (golden metallic), and sometimes sodalite (greyish-blue). The presence of these minerals can be an indicator.
- Color and Luster. Look for the characteristic intense blue color. Freshly broken surfaces may show a dull to greasy luster. The blue color is often more vibrant when wet.
- Hardness Test. Lapis Lazuli has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. It can be scratched by a steel file but will scratch glass. This helps differentiate it from softer minerals.
- Acid Test (Caution). A small drop of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) will cause a slight effervescence (fizzing) on the calcite inclusions within Lapis Lazuli, and may release a faint odor of hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell) due to the sulfur in lazurite. Use extreme caution and proper ventilation if performing this test.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Deep blue with golden pyrite flecks and white calcite streaks.
- Luster:
- Dull to greasy.
- Streak:
- Light blue (for lazurite component).
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