Pedro, Lapis Lazuli is a strange stone. Now and then you can find a
really solid piece and it cuts with percision and ease. More often
than not, Lazuli will have soft areas here and there that consist of
pyrite, calcite, or perhaps some rotten quartz. Just as often, you
may find some flaking, i.e. areas that are a lighter blue or even
white around them…this delineanates a place that could eventually
flak off.
Oil is often used to conceal these areas. Another common material is
bees’ wax… gently heat the stone and swipe the wax across the
surface then wipe with a cloth. The white spots disappear and the
softer areas shine. I guess there is nothing wrong with these
practices so long as it is revealed to the time of purchase. So be
careful when purchasing.
Another thing, I find Lazuli polishes best on hard leather with Linde
A at a low speed and plenty of pressure.
Don at The Charles Belle Studio where simple elegance IS fine
jewelry!