Where Is The Origin Of Denim Lapis?

Lapis lazuli, a light bluish-white metamorphic lazurite gemstone with gold and white specks, has been mined in the Badakhshan province of northeast Afghanistan since the 7th millennium BC. The stone was used to make beads and was found in Afghanistan and Pakistan for over 7000 years. The name “lapis” comes from the Latin word for rock, “lapis”, and “lazuli” is derived from the Arabic and Persian words for the place where the stone was mined.

The largest source of lapis, as well as the oldest, is found in the Kokcha river valley of northeast Afghanistan. The Sar-E-Sang deposits have been worked for over 7,000 years, yielding the finest lapis lazuli in commercially interesting quantities. The Colorado material is also known as denim lapis, which is a smooth, not faceted form of lapis.

Lapis lazuli has been popular throughout human history, with its history as a pigment in paint, vast meanings and uses, and modern applications. The stone’s signature hue is slightly greenish blue to violetish blue, medium to dark in tone, and highly saturated. The name “lapis” comes from the Latin for rock, “lapis”, and “lazuli” is derived from the Arabic and Persian word for the place the stone was mined.

In conclusion, lapis lazuli has been a significant part of human history, with its use as a pigment in paint, gemstone, and more recently as a dye for denim.

What is the difference between lapis and denim lapis?

Denim lapis is a type of lapis lazuli that exhibits a texture and coloration similar to that of denim fabric. It often features white calcite veining, which gives it a distinctive appearance. The price of denim lapis is contingent upon a number of factors, including quality, provenance, and scarcity. Materials of particularly high quality, particularly those from Afghanistan, are more expensive due to their intense blue color and purity.

Where is denim lapis from?

Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue gemstone with gold flecking, often twinkled like stars. It is found only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a limited amount in the western part of Colorado. Other sources include Egypt, Mongolia, Canada, and Chile. Lapis is a combination of the Latin word “lapis” and the Arabian name “azul”, meaning “blue”. It is one of the few rocks considered a gem and one of the first gemstones ever worn as jewelry. Lapis gemstones don’t fade in light and don’t show wear normally, but can be scratched and chipped. To maintain its shine, clean it with a soft, dry cloth.

What is the rarest type of lapis?

Lapis lazuli stones, frequently exhibiting a dark blue hue, may display a black appearance, with pyrite accentuating the contrast between the lustrous golden tones and the celestial night sky. Additionally, calcite is present, manifesting as dark gray clouds. This rare form of lapis lazuli is a valuable and collectible gemstone.

What country is denim from?

In the late 17th century, weavers in Nimes, France, accidentally created the first modern denim, a sturdy cotton fabric. They named the new material “serge de Nimes” and later shortened it to “denim” as it became more widely used. Italian textile workers in Genoa produced a fabric similar to denim made with indigo dyed wool and cotton, called “blue jeans”, which was favored by sailors and working class members. They made various types of clothes from this durable cloth, including trousers, overcoats, and long dresses, called “blue jeans”.

In mid-19th century America, jean fabric was used for trousers and overcoats and was solid colored, usually indigo, olive, or brown. Denim, on the other hand, was spun from both white and indigo yarn and was exclusively used for workwear for miners, mechanics, cowboys, and farmers.

Where does lapis come from?

Lapis lazuli, a gemstone of great value, is primarily mined in Afghanistan, Chile, Siberia, the United States, and Myanmar. Given its porous nature, it is advisable to protect the gem from exposure to chemicals and solvents. Lapis lazuli is a relatively hard stone, with a hardness rating of 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Given its hardness of 5, lapis lazuli should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. To maintain its quality, it should be cleaned with a solution of mild dish soap and water, using a soft brush.

What does high quality lapis look like?

Lapis lazuli is a rare mineral with a blue to purplish-blue hue, derived from the sulfur in lazurite. The highest quality stones have an even tone, with a tone of 75-85. Bluer lapis are lighter, while purple hues are darker. Prices drop for stones darker than 90, which appear dark and drab. Lapis lazuli stones are opaque, but most are included with pyrite, calcite, or both. Small pyrite inclusions can appear like stars, but are considered clarity flaws.

Larger inclusions mask the stone’s beautiful blue. Calcite inclusions are undesirable and can occur as streaks of white or grey, or as small dust particles. Small calcite inclusions tend to grey the stone, as is typical for stones from Chile.

Is there fake lapis?

Lapis Lazuli, a popular gemstone, has become a popular target for counterfeiters. Synthetic lapis lazuli, which can be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, has become more abundant in recent years. These imitations can be dyed to look like lapis or even poor quality lapis that has been dyed to command a higher price. To distinguish authentic lapis from imitations, consumers can test them at home.

Real lapis lazuli remains cool to the touch, while plastic and glass imitations will warm up quickly. Rubbing the piece with acetone can determine its legitimacy, as the coloring may rub off or fade. Lapis lazuli is also hard enough to scratch through glass, but can be scratched by a knife.

Sodalite, a semi-precious stone with a grey-blue to deep blue color, is sometimes sold as lapis lazuli. It is a component of lapis and can be beautiful in its own right but typically of lesser value. If the stone is darker blue-grey without swirls of white or gold flecks, it is likely Sodalite.

What is the rarest color lapis?

Lapis lazuli stones, frequently exhibiting a dark blue hue, may display a black appearance, with pyrite accentuating the contrast between the lustrous golden tones and the celestial backdrop evoking a starry sky. Additionally, calcite is present, manifesting as dark gray clouds. This rare form of lapis lazuli is a valuable and collectible gemstone.

How can you tell fake lapis?

Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, can be difficult to distinguish from fakes. It remains cool to the touch, unlike plastic and glass imitations. To determine its legitimacy, rub the piece with acetone and observe if the coloring begins to rub off or fade. Lapis lazuli is hard enough to scratch through glass, but can be scratched by a knife.

Sodalite, a component of lapis, can be sold as lapis lazuli, but is typically of lesser value. If the stone is darker blue-grey without white swirls or gold flecks, it is likely Sodalite. A discerning eye can spot fake lapis by scrutinizing its coloring. Synthetic versions are often more opaque, appearing grey or dull overcast. High-quality lapis lazuli should have an ultramarine color with depth, and true lapis will contain iron pyrites resembling gold dust.

Lapis lazuli is prized for its imperfections, including white streaks indicating calcium presence. If a stone is perfectly deep blue without gold flecks or white streaks, it is likely not real lapis lazuli.

Why is Japanese denim so expensive?

Selvage denim is a unique and high-quality fabric that requires craftsmanship and a slower production process. It relies on vintage weaving looms that date back at least 70 years, making the operation complex and requiring knowledge not typically possessed by average loom technicians. The production speed is also slower than modern looms, with fabric width being about half of that from a modern loom and output speed being around a fifth. Selvage output is around 10 compared to that of a modern loom.

The production process is mainly produced in Japan, where denim is a craftsmanship to the fullest extent, which reflects on the price. The superior aesthetic properties of selvage denim, such as the appearance and feel of the fabric, the variations caused by vintage shuttle loom imperfections, the deliberate interplay between warp and weft yarns, and the chosen dyeing technique for indigo yarns, make it the world’s best denim.

Using selvage denim is a tribute to the artisans preserving craftsmanship and honoring those who inspire us. The world’s best selvage denim will age into tomorrow’s vintage, and the choice of wear, repair, and repeat is up to the wearer. Explore the selvage selection and experience the difference selvage denim can make.

Is lapis lazuli toxic to wear?

Lapis Lazuli, a beautiful blue gemstone, has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. Found mainly in Afghanistan’s mines, it consists of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite minerals. The gemstone’s radiant blue hue has fascinated artists, healers, and jewelry enthusiasts for centuries. Its name derives from the Latin word “lapis”, meaning “stone”, and the Persian word “lazhward”, translating to “blue”. It is safe for everyday wear but should not be submerged in water as it can release harmful toxins.

To maintain the beauty and integrity of Lapis Lazuli jewelry, keep it dry. The Australian National Maritime Museum offers a comprehensive guide to the world of Lapis Lazuli, its mystical properties, and its connection to physical and mental wellbeing.