Beadnova Egyptian Grade AAA Natural Deep Blue Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Gem Round Loose Beads (6mm x 1 Strand)
Lapis lazuli beads are made from stone comprised mostly of lazurite, which gives it its blue color. Lapis also usually contains gold pyrite, white calcite, blue sodalite, and small amounts of other elements. These lapis lazuli gemstone beads have rich blue coloring, consistent sizing and good drilling. The higher grades have deeper, more consistent blues and less pyrite and calcite. Lapis is graded here from A to AAAAA. Lower quality lapis lazuli beads containing a lot of calcite are typically dyed and cost roughly a third of the price of natural, undyed beads. They are often referred to as "color enhanced" and are generally duller than undyed beads. Dyed beads will fade over time, but natural beads will not. Cheap lapis beads may also be reconstituted wherein pulverized lapis fragments are soaked in a binding agent and pressed into solid masses to be cut into beads. Unscrupulous dealers dye howlite blue and call it lapis. These dark blue Afghanistan lapis beads with flecks of pyrite and some calcite are natural and have not been dyed. If you want the color of the beads in your jewelry to last, choose undyed lapis lazuli beads.