Oval cabochon of Afghan lapis lazuli, 21×13×5 mm, with deep ultramarine blue and 15% golden pyrite inclusions. Beveled flat back. Selected at a wholesale lapidary market.
Item details
| Mineral |
Lapis Lazuli (rock: lazurite + sodalite + calcite + pyrite) |
| Dimensions |
Oval: 21×13×5 mm · |
| Shape and back |
Oval, beveled flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
5-5.5 Mohs — we recommend bezel setting for rings; no restriction for pendants |
| Origin |
Afghanistan |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Unique item by variant |
This specific piece
The 21×13 mm oval format is classic for lapis lazuli jewelry: large enough for the blue to make a visual impact, yet discreet enough for an everyday ring or pendant. The pyrite inclusions—15% of the surface—add life to the blue background without overpowering the color. The back is beveled at the edge, which facilitates the construction of the metal bezel without risk of chipping the edge.
How lapis lazuli is formed
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock that forms when impure limestones are transformed by heat and pressure in contact with igneous intrusions. Lazurite—the mineral that provides the blue color—crystallizes when specific pressure and temperature conditions are reached. Pyrite appears as an accessory mineral precipitated from hydrothermal fluids during the process; calcite is the original carbonate from the transformed limestone that was not completely replaced.
Afghan lapis lazuli
The Sar-e-Sang mine, in the Hindu Kush mountain range, has produced lapis lazuli for over 6,000 years. The proportions of lazurite (blue), pyrite (golden), and calcite (white) vary within each vein, giving each cabochon a different chromatic balance.
In crystal traditions, lapis lazuli is associated with wisdom, clarity of thought, and authentic communication.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
What setting it works for
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Center ring in 925 silver — the 21×13 mm oval fits into statement settings; we recommend a closed bezel due to its 5-5.5 Mohs hardness.
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Simple pendant — the weight of the piece (5 mm high) is moderate; a silver bail on the long axis creates a classic pendant.
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Wire wrap — an alternative for those who work with wire wrapping; the beveled flat back is comfortable to wrap.
How to recognize genuine lapis lazuli
Deep blue without gray areas, pyrite spots with visible metallic luster, fine white calcite veins. Dyed howlite—a common imitation—shows characteristic gray veins under magnification and has no pyrite. Dyed blue jasper has a uniform grain without a polymineral rock structure.
Frequently asked questions
Is the blue color treated?
Untreated. The blue comes from lazurite, an aluminosilicate mineral from the sodalite group that forms the chromatic base of lapis lazuli. Treatment would be visually detected under magnification as superficial staining or penetration into cracks; this specimen shows homogeneous structural color.
What setting is it best suited for?
The beveled back facilitates any conventional setting. We recommend a closed bezel for rings due to its 5-5.5 Mohs hardness. For pendants or earrings, a semi-open bezel or low claw setting are equally valid.
Are the dimensions exact?
Nominal dimensions: 21×13×5 mm (oval). The dimensional tolerance of the cabochon is ±0.5 mm in any dimension.
What is the practical difference between an oval and a teardrop?
The oval is symmetrical with respect to the short axis, which facilitates rings and pendants with a centered presentation. The teardrop has a pointed end, emphasizing the vertical direction: more suitable for pendants and drop earrings than for rings.
How do you care for lapis lazuli?
Soft cloth, no acidic or alkaline products, no submersion. The blue may slightly discolor with strong acids (due to action on lazurite). More at jewelry care.
See also: lapis lazuli properties · all cabochons · silver pendants.
