These are the semi-precious Lapis Lazuli smooth, faceted, and carved beads we currently have in stock.
Lapis Lazuli is a gemstone that has been used for thousands of years for human adornment - many samples of this beautiful blue stone have been found in Egyptian tombs and in other archeological digs. This gemstone is formed from a number of minerals - important ones being Sulfur (the coloring agent), Calcite (controls how many white inclusions occur in a particular piece) and Pyrite (gives sparkle and depth). "Lazuli" is derived from the same Latin word as "Azure" - hence: Blue Stone.
Beautiful free form shapes that enhance the color and contours of the Lapis Lazuli. Each piece tends to have 5 to 6 sides and then is flat faceted on the two largest faces.
Cylinder shaped focal beads are made from Lapis Lazuli. Beads look oval shaped when looking from either end. Mixed medium blues with Pyrite & other inclusions.
Current stock of 6mm Lapis Lazuli has some very dark blue beads, some very light blue beads (due to a high concentration of calcite) and some beads with streaks of both. You'll also find a higher than usual quantity of pyrite in these 'mixed blue' beads.