How is lapis lazuli made?
Lapis lazuli has always been one of the gemstones whose appearance promotes relaxation and a sense of peace and tranquility as a natural result of being one of the blue stones whose blueness is similar to the blue of the sky, which helped to have a wide use In the spiritual fields, as it has its place as a stone famous for its spiritual benefits, as it claims its ability to help the wearer reach the stage of psychological purity, in addition to his ability to clear the soul of its concerns and bring it a sense of comfort and happiness. In addition to the fact that lapis lazuli is similar to turquoise, it should be noted that it is characterized by a relatively high demand for it compared to turquoise due to its elegant dark blue color and popular beliefs about it, as mentioned above. In any case, it is necessary to know how this wonderful and famous stone is formed, especially if you are a gem hobbyist or want to acquire it.
Legends say that the lapis lazuli stone helps its owner to feel courageous and attractive, The lapis lazuli was considered one of the most precious gemstones in ancient civilizations because of their belief in its properties in this regard. And still, despite the succession of ages, lapis lazuli is one of the gemstones that are widely used and characterized by a special look that is not matched by any of the other stones. Well, get to know with us in the following lines how the lapis lazuli stone is formed in an interesting and useful scientific way. The heat” caused by the leakage of a pyrotechnic mass nearby. Thus, the formation of lapis lazuli is the result of
the process of thermal transformation to which we have just referred. Records of its use show that the origin of this stone was not from Persia, as the trade name suggests, but its source is from the Ferragamo region, on the upper part of the Koksha River, a tributary of the Oxwa River, in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan. There it is formed in layers of black and white limestone . It is worth noting that both ruby and spinel were found in the same area. Numerous lapis lazuli mines are located in Siberia at the southern end of Lake Baikal, where it is formed in dolomite limestone . The latest lapis lazuli mine has been found in Badakhshan near Khorog, in the Pamir Mountains of Russia
Lapis lazuli is usually made up of a mixture of three minerals:
1- The mineral lazurite (which is the main mineral in its composition) 2- Calcite (calcium carbonate, which is white in color)
3- The mineral pyrite (which is iron sulfide and its white and golden color)
Lazurite is an essential component of the lapis lazuli stone, It is the mineral that gives the stone its brilliant blue colour. Good quality lapis lazuli contains less calcite and pyrite. The mineral lapis lazuli consists of minerals sodium, calcium, and aluminosilicates that contain sulfur. It is usually formed by metamorphic contact with limestone.
Uses: Used as beads, unpolished stone, and in carvings . Lapis lazuli is cast into various shapes of unpolished or flat polished discs, but most of these flat parts are also carved. It is also used in the manufacture of accessories and ornaments. Lapis lazuli has long been the preferred stone of the Chinese in creating and decorating carved statues. Which should be applied when shaping lapis lazuli. First: Since it may break quickly and be easily scratched, care must be taken in this process. Second: We must pay close attention to any visible inclusions because the surface of the stone may be severely affected if removed without care.
The relationship of the thermal transformation process with the formation of lapis lazuli
Sensitivity and sensitivity: Sensitive to heat, acids and alkalis.
In addition to what previously; Lapis lazuli is sometimes used dyed or coated with a layer of wax. Swiss lapis lazuli is dyed quartz. And lapis lazuli is a Persian name given to the blue-colored stone. A year ago 2017, it was used as a pigment for paint. In addition to its use for more than 6000 a year as one of the ancient gemstones in Afghanistan, and it was traded on the same prestige. Throughout Africa and Europe.
The thermal transformation process of lapis lazuli stone takes place at relatively low temperatures under pressure from the facies of Hernophiles, apidotes and albite. -Epidote Hornfels Facies) to Hornblende Hornfels Facies, and to pyroxene-facies. Extrusive rocks captured by lava can transform into sandinite facies, but such rocks are relatively rare. We will discuss here with you the mineral assemblies that develop in these facies.
The term “facies” refers to the features and appearance of the rock. On the basis of the factors that were affected by it during its successive geological stages, as it may express the characteristics of the appearance of the stone such as the color and the constituent elements of the stone, or it may express the sedimentary processes to which it was exposed.
Baltic lapis lazuli stones are formed Through the combination of the following elements:
the minerals of quartz, plagioclase, caspar, andalusite or sillimanite and cordite. Note that there is no muscovite mineral.
Quartz feldspar rocks “one of the types of lapis lazuli” formed by gathering:
the minerals caspar, quartz, plagioclase and biotite. Note the absence of muscovite mineral.
The basic rocks contain:
Plagioclase, cordierite, biotite and sometimes quartz.
Plagioclase, Hypericin, Biotite, Diopside, and Sometimes quartz.
note The absence of the mineral hornblende in these gatherings.
While the limestone rocks consist of:
plagioclase, grosularite, diopside and possibly quartz,
or wollastonite, diopside, and grosularite with perhaps quartz.
Note The absence of calcite and tramolite in these assemblies.
Sandinite facies:
Although sandenite facies are more abundant throughout the heat metamorphism process, they are rather uncommon. Existing rocks, such as extrusive rocks in igneous rocks, to some extent. These facies form at high temperatures and are distinguished by the lack of water minerals, particularly mica. The most abundant rocks are sandenite facies, which are frequently found near dam walls, where several assemblages have been observed. In addition to the variables reflected in the facies and the gatherings that occur during the thermal transformation process, the other components that determine the difference in its quality related to the degree of its existence in its composition.
