Lapis Lazuli Sphere Value Guide

Lapis lazuli spheres are prized collectibles that showcase a gemstone used for over 6,500 years, famously appearing in King Tutankhamun's burial mask. These polished pieces highlight the deep blue ultramarine pigment that was once reserved for the most sacred figures in Renaissance art.

What affects the value of Lapis Lazuli Sphere?

• Intensity of the blue color, with deep 'royal blue' specimens commanding higher prices than lighter or greyish stones.
• The balance of inclusions, where a moderate amount of golden pyrite is desirable but excessive white calcite can lower the market value.
• The quality of the spherical cut and the smoothness of the polish, ensuring there are no flat spots or surface pits.
• The overall diameter and weight of the sphere, with larger specimens from the primary Afghan source fetching the top end of the $20-$40 range.

How to Identify Lapis Lazuli Sphere?

• Look for the presence of golden pyrite flecks and white calcite veining which are characteristic of natural Afghan lapis.
• Verify the weight and temperature; genuine lapis lazuli feels cool to the touch and is significantly denser than plastic or glass imitations.
• Check for color consistency, as authentic specimens from the Sar-e-Sang mountains typically display a rich, royal blue rather than a uniform, dyed appearance.
• Perform a surface inspection for a waxy to vitreous luster that is achieved through professional polishing of the natural stone.

History of Lapis Lazuli Sphere

Lapis lazuli is an ancient gemstone, cherished by civilizations for over 6,500 years. It was highly prized in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley Civilizations. Ancient Egyptians used it for jewelry, amulets, and powdered cosmetics, famously seen in King Tutankhamun's burial mask. Its deep blue color symbolized royalty and the heavens, believed to possess protective and spiritual properties. The stone was mined primarily in the Sar-e-Sang mountains of Afghanistan, a source that continues to be significant today. Lapis lazuli also played a role in Renaissance art, where it was ground into a pigment called ultramarine, valued for its intense blue hue and durability, often reserved for painting the robes of the Virgin Mary.