Why is lapis expensive?
Several key factors determine the price of lapis lazuli: Color: The most important factor is the color of the stone. The highest quality lapis lazuli exhibits a deep, intense blue with minimal white calcite inclusions and evenly distributed pyrite. Stones with vibrant color and minimal impurities command higher prices. Lapis Lazuli Price A deep, intense, blue with violet tones would be at the apex. Fine grained, uniform specimens can attain a smooth, highly polished surface not seen in lower grades. Calcite inclusions almost always lower the value, but pyrite inclusions enhance it in the minds of many collectors and jewelry lovers.In these deep blue pieces, the pyrite stands out even more. The contrast of the shiny gold on the dark blue backdrop calls to mind a starry night sky. Occasionally, calcite is visible in the form of dark grey clouds. This is perhaps the rarest form of lapis lazuli and is a valuable, collectible gem.Sometime low quality lapis lazuli will be dyed blue in an attempt to hide the while calcite to make it appear as if it’s of a higher quality. The fakes are generally easy to spot because a close look will show little to no visible white calcite (because it’s been dyed blue) and the absence of pyrite flakes.
Is lapis worth anything?
Prices. Lapis lazuli is not an expensive stone, but truly fine material is still rare. Lower grades may sell for less than $1 per carat, while the superfine material may reach $100–150/ct. Trivia. Lapis ore is rarer than diamond ore, but the Lapis Lazuli is more common than the latter. That is because a lapis ore yields up to 4 times that of a diamond ore.Lapis lazuli, also known simply as lapis, is a blue metamorphic rock that has been used by people as a gemstone, sculpting material, and ornamental material for thousands of years. Its name was derived from the Latin word lapis meaning stone, and from the Arabic and Persian word lazaward.