Lapis lazuli has been prized since antiquity for its beautiful color. But some people wonder, is lapis lazuli safe to wear or is it toxic?
Is Lapis Lazuli Toxic?
Lapis lazuli itself is not a toxic or radioactive stone. It is generally considered safe to wear in jewelry against the skin. The lazurite that provides the blue color is not hazardous, nor is the calcite.
However, some lapis lazuli contains small amounts of pyrite. Pyrite is a mineral composed of iron and sulfur that sometimes contains traces of other heavy metals like nickel, arsenic, and cobalt. In large quantities, pyrite may be dangerous if ingested or inhaled. But the tiny flecks of pyrite found in most lapis lazuli jewelry are inert and not considered a health risk.
Most lapis lazuli on the market has been screened for purity and any toxic materials removed. Reputable dealers test their lapis to ensure it does not contain dangerous levels of pyrite or other minerals. So there is no risk when wearing lapis lazuli jewelry.
That said, some people with nickel allergies may react to the small pyrite content if their skin is very sensitive. The amount of nickel exposure is very minimal, but those with severe allergies should take precautions.
How to Wear Lapis Lazuli Safely
Lapis lazuli is considered safe for most people to wear, but those with metal allergies may need to take some simple precautions:
- Avoid prolonged contact with your skin, such as 24/7 wear. Give your skin breaks from the jewelry periodically.
- Make sure the lapis lazuli has been properly screened by the seller to ensure pyrite levels are low. Reputable retailers will provide lab certificates.
- For sensitive skin, choose lapis with no visible pyrite or flecks in the stone. The pure blue variety has the least potential for metal exposure.
- Consider protective plating on lapis lazuli jewelry settings, such as gold or palladium, to limit metal touching your skin.
With reasonable care taken to obtain high quality stone and jewelry, lapis lazuli can be safely worn without significant health risks. Its mesmerizing blue with glints of gold has been treasured for thousands of years, making it a meaningful addition to your jewelry collection.
