Lapis Lazuli Chess Board Set
A Lapis Lazuli Chess Board Set would be an exquisite and luxurious addition to any chess enthusiast’s collection. Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone known for its stunning blue color and has been highly valued for thousands of years. Crafting a chessboard from lapis lazuli requires skilled artisans who can transform the stone into a functional and visually captivating piece of art. Here’s what you might expect to find in a Lapis Lazuli Chess Board Set:
Lapis Lazuli Chessboard: The main attraction of the set would be the chessboard itself, made entirely or partially from lapis lazuli. The chessboard’s alternating squares are typically created using lapis lazuli and a contrasting material, such as marble or another type of stone, to create a visually striking pattern.
Chess Pieces: The chess set would include a full set of chess pieces, typically made from another complementary material, such as solid marble, alabaster, or metal. The pieces would often be carefully handcrafted and intricately designed to match the elegance of the lapis lazuli chessboard.
Storage Box: To protect and store the chess pieces when not in use, the set might come with a specially designed storage box, possibly lined with velvet or another soft material to ensure the safety of the pieces and the chessboard.
Certificate of Authenticity: Given the valuable nature of lapis lazuli, a certificate of authenticity might be provided to verify the genuine origin and quality of the stone used in the chessboard.
Display Stand: Some sets may include a display stand to showcase the chessboard when not in play, allowing it to serve as an art piece in the room.
It’s important to note that a Lapis Lazuli Chess Board Set is considered a luxury item and can be quite expensive due to the rarity and value of the stone. As such, these sets are often found in specialty stores or sold by high-end artisans or jewelry and art dealers.
If you’re interested in acquiring a Lapis Lazuli Chess Board Set, it’s essential to purchase from reputable sellers who can provide detailed information about the craftsmanship and quality of the materials used. Such a set can be a cherished heirloom and a testament to the beauty of natural stones in functional art pieces.
Physical Properties of Lapis Lazuli
Classification A metamorphic rock that contains enough of the mineral lazurite to impart a distinct blue color. It may also contain significant amounts of calcite, pyrite, and minor amounts of other minerals.
Color Blue. Often with white calcite veining or mottling, and gold grains of pyrite.
Streak Blue.
Luster Dull, but polishes to a bright luster.
Diaphaneity Semi-translucent to opaque.
Cleavage None, though it may split easily along foliation or calcite veins and layers.
Mohs Hardness Varies between the 3 of calcite and the 5 to 5.5 of lazurite. Not well suited for use as a ring stone or in bracelets.
Specific Gravity 2.7 to 2.9 or more depending upon the amount of pyrite
Diagnostic Properties Blue color, association with pyrite, and hardness.
Uses Cabochons, beads, carvings, spheres, inlay, and pigments.