Natural Raw Lapis Lazuli 6mm 108 Beads | Red Agate | Spacer Beads | Counter | Prayer Beads | Custom Stringing

TIBUKKYO Taiwan Derong Collection | UnDyed Natural Lapis Lazuli 6mm Beads 108 pcs | Red Agate | Spacer Beads ◎ Direct shipping to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia available. ◎ Lapis lazuli is one of the seven treasures of Buddhism, and its color represents the body color of Medicine Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. Lapis lazuli is primarily composed of four natural minerals: deep blue Lazulite, white Sodalite, light blue Hauynite, and Noselite. The golden flecks on the surface of lapis lazuli are pyrite. The white streaks are due to a higher content of Sodalite. Therefore, lapis lazuli with less gold, less white, and a deep blue hue is considered superior. How to identify if lapis lazuli is dyed? Many lapis lazuli on the market are heat-treated and dyed. You can determine if it's dyed by soaking the lapis lazuli in alcohol; if it loses color, it's dyed. Furthermore, lapis lazuli with abundant gold and white (high Sodalite content) is considered a lower quality secondary product, whereas less gold and less white indicate high-grade lapis lazuli. Generally, like red agate, it is very rare to find large-sized lapis lazuli with minimal gold and white. For most lapis lazuli exceeding 10mm, the Sodalite component will exhibit white patches or spots. Many lapis lazuli on the market are heat-treated and dyed. Soaking lapis lazuli in alcohol will reveal if it's dyed, as it will lose color. Heavily dyed lapis lazuli will immediately lose color upon contact with alcohol. Some lightly dyed or heat-treated lapis lazuli may not lose color instantly, but prolonged immersion will still show color discrepancies due to dyeing. However, this testing method is not suitable for frequent use, as lapis lazuli is sensitive to prolonged exposure to corrosive alcohol and direct sunlight, both of which can affect its color and luster. How to care for lapis lazuli and what to avoid? Lapis lazuli is particularly sensitive to high temperatures. Under intense light, its luster and color can be affected. Therefore, extra care should be taken during outdoor activities to avoid direct sunlight exposure. Additionally, prolonged soaking is not recommended for lapis lazuli (unlike some other gems like pearl). Due to its porous structure, prolonged water exposure can impact its color and aesthetic appeal. It is advisable to remove lapis lazuli jewelry when bathing. Avoid contact with acidic and alkaline chemicals such as shampoos, body lotions, cosmetics, and perfumes, as these can react chemically with the surface of lapis lazuli, causing corrosive damage.