Lapis Lazuli is considered a rock, not a mineral.Top quality Lapis Lazuli comes from Afghanistan where is has been mined for more than 6000 years, but is also found in Siberia, Chile, the U.S., Pakistan, and Canada. Strong blue, sometimes with a hint of violet, lapis lazuli's value decreases with the presence of white patches (calcite), while small veins of pyrite are often prized. A soft stone, 5 -5.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Lapis Lazuli is one of the most valuable semi opaque stones.
