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Malachite and azurite are usually correctly named, but "lapis lazuli" is a name that is frequently misused, being applied to crackled quartz that has been stained with Prussian blue, or some other dye, to an unconvincing resemblance to true lapis. Such artificially produced stones are sometimes sold as "Swiss lapis." They are harder than true lapis and probably wear much better in exposed ornaments, but they are not lapis and are never of equal color, and names should not be misused, and especially is this true in a trade where the public has had to rely so completely upon the knowledge and the integrity of the dealer.
With the increase of knowledge about precious stones that is slowly but steadily growing among the public, it becomes more than ever necessary for the jeweler and gem dealer to know and to use the correct names for all precious stones. The student who wishes to learn more about the matter will have to cull his information from many different works on gems. G.F. Herbert-Smith, in his Gem Stones, gives a three and one half page chapter on "No-menclature of Precious Stones" (Chap. XIII, pp. 109-112). The present lesson has attempted to bring together in one place material from many sources, together with some suggestions from the author. |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 7
>> Naming Malachite, Azurite, and Lapis Lazuli Gems
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