Updated as of June 2026
Lapis Lazuli
A deep blue rock prized since antiquity for wisdom, truth, and royalty, once ground into ultramarine pigment.
Price range$5 to $100/ct
Hardness (Mohs)5.5
ColorsBlue, Deep blue, Gold flecks
BirthstoneSeptember
AltGems Score How we score
4.8/10
Lapis Lazuli pros and cons
Pros
- Strong value for the look
- A recognized birthstone (September)
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 5.5, best in protected settings
- Commonly treated (waxing)
- Opaque, so it shows color rather than sparkle
Lapis Lazuli is best kept for earrings, pendants, and protected settings rather than rough daily wear.
Explore Lapis Lazuli
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestLapis Lazuli jewelry
Lapis Lazuli ringsLapis Lazuli engagement ringsLapis Lazuli necklacesLapis Lazuli pendantsLapis Lazuli earringsLapis Lazuli bracelets
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 5.5) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Soft and porous. Clean with a damp soft cloth only. Avoid water soaks, chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners.
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Where to buy Lapis Lazuli: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lapis Lazuli?
A deep blue rock prized since antiquity for wisdom, truth, and royalty, once ground into ultramarine pigment. It rates 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in blue, deep blue, gold flecks.
How much does Lapis Lazuli cost?
Lapis Lazuli typically runs about $5 to $100 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Lapis Lazuli price guide for detail.
Is Lapis Lazuli good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 5.5 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli earns an overall AltGems Score of 4.8 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Lapis Lazuli?
Soft and porous. Clean with a damp soft cloth only. Avoid water soaks, chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners.