Also, sometimes there are different names of this stone in the market, for example:Swiss Lapis (Painted jasper or chalcedony)German Lapis (Painted jasper)Canadian Lapis (The same as sodalite)so you should not confuse them with lapis lazuli gemstone
Synthetic Lapis lazuli, also known as synthetic Azure, refers to a man-made alternative to natural Lapis lazuli gemstones. While natural Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic Rock that primarily consists of the mineral lazurite, synthetic Lapis lazuli is created in a laboratory using various materials and techniques. The process of creating synthetic Lapis lazuli involves combining different components to mimic the appearance and properties of natural Lapis lazuli. These components may include minerals, pigments, and binding agents. One common method used to create synthetic Lapis lazuli involves mixing powdered Minerals such as lazurite, calcite, and pyrite with a binding agent like Resin or epoxy.
When purchasing Lapis lazuli, it is crucial to be aware of the distinction between natural and synthetic varieties. Synthetic Lapis lazuli is typically more affordable and widely available, but it lacks the inherent value and authenticity of natural Lapis lazuli. To ensure you are purchasing genuine Lapis lazuli, it is advisable to buy from reputable sources and educate yourself about the characteristics and features of natural Lapis lazuli. Now, if the amount of pyrite is high, Azure can be seen as a green or matte background. In Lapis lazuli from Chile (north of Santiago) and Russia, they have a lower value due to the presence of prominent streaks and white spots of calcite.
- Synthetic Azure Stones
In the field of production of synthetic azure stone, although many jewelers do not consider it a fundamental center. In 1954, artificial glassware such as Spinel was dyed with cobalt oxide and sold as lapis lazuli, which is easy to detect because it does not contain any inclusions or substances such as pyrite. - Stones that you may confuse with natural azure!
Azure Stone can be used with Stones such as lazurite, sodalite, azurite, blue jasper, or be mistaken for dumortierite. Nowadays, stones often dye low-quality azure, which depending on the quality of the resin used and its processing method, this stone may fade or remain unchanged over time.
For example, dolomitic Marble (Jade Mountain or Jasper or Howlite painted with blue resin and polished with oil. On the other hand, some eat the azure and squeeze it together with plastic. In German Neukrish, the jade-brown gray powder is melted in a blue process and marketed as Swiss lapis lazuli. Others use pyrite to beautify this stone. Also, sometimes there are different names of this stone in the market, for example:
- Swiss Lapis (Painted jasper or chalcedony)
- German Lapis (Painted jasper)
- Canadian Lapis (The same as sodalite)
The resulting mixture is then shaped and cured to form a solid material that resembles natural Lapis lazuli. Depending on the manufacturing process and the quality of materials used, synthetic Lapis lazuli can closely resemble the appearance of natural Lapis lazuli, including its characteristic deep blue color with golden flecks of pyrite. It is important to note that synthetic Lapis lazuli is not a natural Gemstone and does not possess the same geological or metaphysical properties as its natural counterpart. Natural Lapis lazuli has been valued for centuries for its unique color, historical significance, and metaphysical properties. It has been used in jewelry, art, and as a spiritual stone.