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Click on the letter to find descriptions and pictures of Rocks, gems, and minerals
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Lapis
The mines of Badakshan, Afghanistan were visited by Marco Polo in 1217 C.E. and has been used as a decorative stone since that time. It is said that the Sumerians believed carrying the mineral was like carrying the presence of a god. For centuries lapis has been linked to divinity.The stone was being used medicinally in the late 1600's. The practice of using wearing and amulet of lapis to prevent miscarriages is still occuring today in Macedonia. The Greeks and the Romans used lapis as an award for personal bravery.
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LAPIS LAZULI | |
Mohs 5 - 6 | |
Chemical Composition Na8[Sl(AlSiO4)] | |
Refractive Index 1.50 (mean) | |
Specific Gravity 2.38 - 2.42 | |
Cleavage None | |
Streak Light blue | |
Localities Afghanistan, Russia, Chile, California/U.S.A. |
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