Buy Rough Lapis Lazuli Stones | Loose Blue Lapis Lazuli

Quick answer: Lapis lazuli is a deep blue gemstone primarily sourced from Afghanistan. FolkmarketGems offers natural rough lapis lazuli, loose cut lapis, lapis beads, and lapis material for jewelry, lapidary work, carving, and wholesale supply.

Lapis lazuli is a blue gemstone that originates mainly from Afghanistan and is valued for its intense blue color created by the mineral lazurite, often accompanied by golden flecks of pyrite. This natural contrast gives lapis lazuli its distinctive and recognizable appearance.

At FolkmarketGems, we supply lapis lazuli to jewelry designers, lapidary rough artists, collectors, and bulk gemstones buyers. Our selection includes both raw lapis stone and finished lapis products, with options for custom lapidary work depending on availability.

History and Origin of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli has been prized for thousands of years. It was famously used in ancient Egyptian jewelry, ornaments, and burial items, including pieces found in pyramids and royal tombs. Historically, lapis lazuli was also ground into pigment to create ultramarine, one of the most valuable blue pigments in art.

This blue stone has been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest known gemstones used by human civilizations. Afghanistan remains the most important source of high-quality lapis lazuli today.

Geology and Composition of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. Its primary component is lazurite, which gives lapis its deep blue color. Pyrite inclusions create golden specks, while calcite may appear as white veining.

The chemical formula of lapis lazuli is Na₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(S,SO)₄, reflecting its complex composition of sodium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, and oxygen. This unique mineral combination is responsible for its beauty and durability in lapidary use.

Forms of Lapis Lazuli Available at FolkmarketGems

FolkmarketGems offers lapis lazuli in multiple forms to meet different buyer needs:

• Raw lapis lazuli with low-grade blue color
• Medium-grade raw lapis (A grade)
• High-quality raw lapis with strong blue color (AA grade)
• Top-grade raw lapis with approximately 90% blue color (AAA grade)
• Lapis lazuli tumbles
• Lapis balls and spheres
• Lapis beads
• Lapis bracelets
• Lapis pendants in various shapes

Custom lapidary options: Depending on stock, FolkmarketGems can assist with cutting, polishing, or shaping raw lapis for specific jewelry or craft requirements.

Uses of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is widely used across jewelry, lapidary art, and decorative applications:

• Jewelry making: beads, cabochons, pendants, rings, earrings, necklaces
• Lapidary art: carvings, inlays, sculptural pieces
• Decorative objects: figurines, bowls, ornamental items
• Collector stones: natural rough lapis with visible pyrite and calcite

Its deep blue color combined with golden pyrite makes lapis suitable for both traditional and modern designs.

Metaphysical Beliefs Associated with Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli has long been associated with spiritual and symbolic meanings. Many people believe lapis promotes wisdom, truth, intuition, and inner peace. It is commonly used in meditation and spiritual practices by those seeking mental clarity and balance.

While metaphysical properties are based on belief systems, these associations have contributed to lapis lazuli’s popularity across cultures.

Why Buy Lapis Lazuli from FolkmarketGems?

• Natural lapis lazuli sourced primarily from Afghanistan
• Multiple grades available for different budgets and uses
• Support for jewelers, lapidaries, collectors, and wholesale buyers
• Transparent descriptions of color, grade, and form
• Custom sourcing and order requests accepted

Whether you need a single lapis stone or a bulk parcel, FolkmarketGems focuses on authenticity, fair pricing, and long-term buyer relationships.

Common FAQs About Lapis Lazuli

1. Is lapis lazuli a natural gemstone?

Lapis lazuli is a natural metamorphic rock composed mainly of lazurite, along with pyrite and calcite. It is not a single mineral but is widely used as a gemstone.

2. Why is Afghan lapis lazuli considered the best?

Afghan lapis lazuli is known for its deep blue color with minimal calcite and fine pyrite flecks. It has been mined for thousands of years and remains the most valued source.

3. What grade of lapis should I choose?

AAA-grade lapis has the highest blue content and is ideal for fine jewelry. A and AA grades are suitable for lapidary work, beads, carvings, and decorative items.

4. Can lapis lazuli be used in daily-wear jewelry?

Lapis lazuli can be used in jewelry, but it is softer than many gemstones. It is best suited for pendants, earrings, and pieces that avoid heavy impact. Learn about Lapislazuli 

5. Do you sell lapis lazuli in bulk or wholesale?

Yes. FolkmarketGems supports bulk and wholesale orders for rough lapis, beads, and lapidary material depending on availability.