Dark Blue Lapis Lazuli 4mm Round Gemstone Beads 15" GR2186

Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Beads Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest of all gems. Deep blue in color and opaque, this gem was highly prized by the ancient Egyptian Pharoahs.  Lapis is a rock, not a mineral because it is made up from various other minerals.  The name derives from the Latin lapis, which means stone, and from the Persian lazhward, which means blue.  It's main component is lazurite.  Most lapis also contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue) and pyrite (yellow).  The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite.  Lapis is often dyed to enhance the appearance.    Shape: Round  Color: Blue with Gold Flecks  Appearance: Mottled blue tones from light to dark in a variety of shades from deep blue to a light blue-white color with light to moderate pyrite inclusions  Enhancements: Dyed Testing for colorfastness is recommended  Approximate Size: 4mm Size varies slightly between beads  Approximate Hole Size: 0.75mm  Hole Orientation: Center-Drilled  Quantity: Sold Per 15-inch Strand Approximately 90 Beads  Due to the nature of these beads, no two are alike and each varies slightly in size, shape, color  Strand pictured shown to represent entire lot - Strand shipped selected at random  Imported from China