Uncovering the Beauty and History of Lapis Lazuli from Iraq and Jordan

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful, deep blue gemstone that has been cherished for centuries. This precious stone has been traditionally sourced from mines in Afghanistan, but there are other countries where high-quality lapis lazuli can be found. In this post, we will explore the history and properties of lapis lazuli mined from Iraq and Jordan.

Iraqi Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli has been mined in Iraq since ancient times. The Babylonians used it to make beads and other decorative objects as early as 4000 BC. The Sumerians also prized it for its beauty and believed that the gemstone had healing powers.

The Iraqi lapis lazuli is known for its rich blue color with golden flecks of pyrite scattered throughout the stone. It is usually opaque or slightly translucent with a waxy sheen on its surface. The quality of the Iraqi lapis varies depending on the location of the mine, but some of the best specimens are found in Badakhshan province.

One unique feature of Iraqi lapis is that it often contains white calcite veins running through it, which add interest to its appearance. However, these veins can also lower the value of a piece if they are too prominent or extensive.

Jordanian Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli was first discovered in Jordan during Roman times when they conquered Petra around 106 AD. Like Iraqi lapis, Jordanian lapis was used by ancient civilizations for jewelry and other decorative objects.

Jordanian lapis typically has a darker blue color than Afghan or Iraqi varieties and may contain black spiderweb-like veining or white calcite veins. It’s important to note that not all black veining indicates low quality – some collectors actually prefer stones with this characteristic as it adds depth to their collection pieces.

Unlike Afghan or Pakistani Lapis which is heavily included (contain impurities), Jordanian Lapi tends to have fewer impurities and a more homogeneous composition. The Jordanian lapis lazuli is also known for its high-quality specimens, which have a deep blue color with no visible impurities.

Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is composed mainly of the mineral lazurite, along with other minerals such as calcite and pyrite. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 5-6, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratches or chipping.

Lapis lazuli’s most notable characteristic is its beautiful blue color. This color comes from the presence of sulfur-containing minerals such as sodalite or hauyne that are present in small amounts within the stone’s structure. In addition to these minerals, lapis lazuli can also contain white calcite veins or golden pyrite flecks that add interest to its appearance.

In terms of healing properties, lapis lazuli has been used for centuries by various cultures as an aid in meditation and spiritual practices due to it being believed to bring inner peace and calmness. It was also believed to help alleviate headaches and migraines when placed on the forehead.

Conclusion

Lapis Lazuli mined from Iraq and Jordan is a rare gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its deep blue coloration, unique veining patterns and metaphysical properties. Though not commonly seen in modern fine jewelry designs (often reserved for more traditional styles), collectors appreciate these stones because they are uncommonly sourced compared with those extracted from Afghanistan; highlighting their rarity makes them all the more special.