How to Authenticate Real Lapis Lazuli: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to purchasing lapis lazuli, it's crucial to know how to differentiate between genuine and synthetic stones. This article will guide you through various methods to authenticate genuine lapis lazuli, ensuring you invest in authentic and valuable gems.
Understanding Lapis Lazuli: A Semi-Precious Gemstone
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious gemstone known for its deep blue color with characteristic golden or brassy flecks of pyrite, often referred to as "fools gold." This unique appearance makes lapis lazuli a favored material in jewelry, carvings, and even in the purification of certain historical inks. To determine if your lapis lazuli is real, you can use a combination of visual inspection, hardness tests, and professional assessment methods.
Visual Inspection: Assessing the Appearance
Color
Real lapis lazuli exhibits a deep, rich blue color often with flecks of gold pyrite and white calcite. If the stone appears overly uniform in color or is very bright, it might be synthetic or dyed.
Inclusions
Natural lapis lazuli will have variations and inclusions. Check for tiny flecks or spots, which are characteristic of real stones. These inclusions include pyrite, which should appear as golden or brassy metallic flecks, and white calcite, which can form small white streaks or patches within the blue matrix.
Texture
Real lapis lazuli has a smooth, slightly waxy texture. If the stone feels too glossy or glassy, it might be a synthetic version.
Hardness Test: Using Mohs Scale
Lapis lazuli has a relatively low Mohs hardness of about 5 to 5.5. This means it's quite soft compared to other gemstones, making it easy to scratch. You can test this hardness by gently scratching the stone against a piece of glass or a harder stone. If the lapis lazuli scratches easily, it may not be real.
Weight Test: Examining Density
Genuine lapis lazuli is denser than many synthetic stones. If the piece feels unusually light, it might not be real. The weight of the stone in your hand should give you a good indication of its authenticity. For example, a genuine lapis lazuli should feel heavier than a synthetic or imitation material.
Water Test: Assessing Porosity
Place a drop of water on the surface of the lapis lazuli. Real lapis lazuli is porous and will absorb some water, while synthetic stones may not. This test can provide further confirmation of the stone's authenticity.
Professional Assessment: Seeking Expert Opinion
If you're still unsure about the authenticity of your lapis lazuli, it's wise to seek the opinion of a gemologist or a reputable jeweler. They can use specialized tools and techniques to provide a more accurate assessment. This is particularly important if the lapis lazuli is part of a piece of jewelry.
Additional Considerations: Cost and Sourcing
When evaluating the authenticity of lapis lazuli, consider its cost. Quality lapis lazuli is valuable, and if you find a piece that looks real but is at an unbelievably low price, there's a good chance it might be a fake. Additionally, consider the origin of the stone. High-quality lapis lazuli is often sourced from mines in Afghanistan and is known for its deep blue color and distinct pyrite inclusions.
Conclusion
By combining these methods, you can get a good indication of whether your lapis lazuli is real or not. Always remember that genuine lapis lazuli should exhibit specific physical properties such as color, inclusions, and hardness. Investing in a gemologist's assessment can provide you with the certainty you need to ensure you are purchasing a genuine stone.