Kuwait Lapis Lazuli Birthstone Gold Diamond Girl Fashion Jewellery 24

Kuwait Lapis Lazuli Birthstone Gold Diamond Girl Fashion Jewellery. 

By Aamir Mannan

Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan by Peter Bancroft

Sar-e-Sang Mine, Jurm, Afghanistan

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to reprint this selection from Peter Bancroft’s classic book, Gem and Crystal Treasures (1984) Western Enterprises/Mineralogical Record, Fallbrook, CA, 488 pp.

   Biography of Dr. Peter Bancroft   Palagems.com Lapis Buying Guide

Gem & Crystal Treasures by Peter Bancroft cover image

Royal blue lapis lazuli, the gem variety of lazurite and one of the most beautiful opaque gemstones, is a sodium and aluminum mineral of considerable complexity. Known as “sapphires” by the ancients, the stone occurs in only a few major deposits around the world, notably Lake Baikal in Siberia, Ocalle