Lapis lazuli: look-alikes and how to tell
Short answer
Lapis lazuli is commonly confused with sodalite, dyed howlite or jasper, blue glass ("Swiss lapis" is dyed jasper).
Some lapis shows no visible pyrite and some imitations have pyrite added: appearance guides, it does not settle.
Look-alikes
- sodalite
- dyed howlite or jasper
- blue glass ("Swiss lapis" is dyed jasper)
What to look at
Golden pyrite flecks point to lapis lazuli; a darker, greyer blue with white veining and no pyrite points to sodalite. Dye pooled in cracks gives away a dyed stone.
What settles it
- Gemmologist: refractive index and specific gravity.
Frequently asked
What can lapis lazuli be mistaken for?
sodalite; dyed howlite or jasper; blue glass ("Swiss lapis" is dyed jasper).
How can I tell lapis lazuli from its look-alikes?
Gemmologist: refractive index and specific gravity.