Stamped 925, large semi precious, gemstone, genuine Lapis Lazuli ring.

925 stamped, Large semi-precious gemstone, beautiful dark blue Lapis Lazuli ring. The lapis lazuli is generally safe to handle, but pyrite commonly found inside, reacts w/water & moisture, releasing irritating sulfuric acid. Avoid getting wet, store in dry place w/low humidity (below 60% is Ideal), when cutting or polishing wear dust mask to prevent lung irritation. Hardness is 5. Lapis lazuli has been used by artists for thousands of years as raw material for sculpting, pigment for frescoes & paintings, & source rock for gems & jewelry. The worlds leading source is Afghanistan. Ancient civilizations believed it had religious significance, reflected their rulers high status. Michelangelo used it for blue colors in his Sistine Chapel Frescoes. If you cannot see golden specs of pyrite, or artificial yellow flecks are present, there’s a good chance it’s a fake. Other ways to spot a fake: too bright of colors, semi opaque, traces of dye on surface & color Concentration distribution is uneven, sometimes dyed color can be washed & wiped off w/acetone. You want a deep blue to purpleish-blue or ultramarine uniform color, transparency needs to be opaque (not seen through), acetone test negative, color is spread evenly, no color can be removed, pyrite crystals present, cold to touch for a few seconds. If you do acetone test, use inconspicuous spot & wear acetone-proof gloves. This may damage your stone. Ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of the night sky.