Some gemstones feel as if they carry a story the moment you see them.
Lapis lazuli is one of those stones.
Its bold blue — reminiscent of night skies and ancient murals — draws you in immediately. Tiny gold flecks from pyrite sparkle like constellations, turning each piece into its own miniature universe. It’s no wonder lapis has been treasured for thousands of years, from Egyptian amulets to Renaissance paintings to modern handcrafted jewelry.
And when you own a gemstone this expressive, it’s natural to wonder how to care for it — especially one question almost every lapis lover eventually asks:
Can lapis lazuli get wet?
The Truth About Lapis Lazuli and Water
Lapis lazuli is beautiful, but it’s also sensitive.
Unlike diamonds or sapphires, lapis is a porous, composite gemstone.
It is formed from several minerals — primarily lazurite, calcite, and pyrite — each one reacting differently to moisture.
When water touches lapis lazuli, it can seep into tiny pores within the stone, softening it over time and affecting both texture and color.
Sometimes the change is subtle. Sometimes it’s not.
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The vibrant blue that first captivated you can begin to soften, growing lighter or duller.
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The golden pyrite flecks may lose contrast.
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And any natural or added surface treatments can wear away.
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This is why lapis lazuli has a reputation for needing gentler care.
How Water Alters the Appearance of Lapis Lazuli
If you’ve ever seen lapis that looks lighter, chalky, or dull, it was almost certainly exposed to water.
Here’s what typically happens:
1. Fading of the Deep Blue Tone
Water dilutes the natural pigments within the stone.
The result is a softer, muted blue that loses the richness lapis is known for.
2. Chalkiness from Calcite Exposure
Calcite — one of lapis’s natural components — reacts strongly to water.
Moisture pulls it to the surface, leaving a cloudy or powdery cast.
3. Loss of Lustrous Finish
Many lapis stones are lightly polished with waxes or oils.
Water dissolves these treatments, leaving a flat or matte look.
4. Pyrite Tarnishing
Those golden “stars” inside lapis? That’s pyrite — and pyrite can tarnish or discolor when exposed to moisture.
What Happens When Lapis Lazuli Gets Wet Repeatedly
A single splash is usually harmless.
But repeat exposure builds visible damage, including:
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Uneven color patches
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Surface roughness
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Weakening near edges
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A spotted, stained appearance
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A “dry” or brittle texture
In severe cases, soaking can cause the stone to fracture internally, given its layered mineral structure.
How to Care for Lapis Lazuli the Right Way
Water isn’t lapis’s friend, but care doesn’t have to be complicated.
At Acredo, we recommend:
Dry, Gentle Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth to polish the stone and remove fingerprints.
Avoiding Soaps and Chemicals
Cleaners, lotions, perfumes, and oils can all cloud the surface.
Avoiding Steam Cleaners
The stone does not respond well to heat or humidity.
Professional Jewelry Care
Acredo offers gentle, lapis-safe cleaning methods during your personalized consultation.
Design Your Perfect Lapis Lazuli Piece with Acredo
Each lapis stone has its own personality — and Acredo is dedicated to shaping that individuality into something truly yours.
With:
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Ethical sourcing
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Responsible Jewellery Council certification
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Handcrafted jewelry
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Custom-designed creations
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Bespoke engraving
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Personalized design consultations
Acredo helps you bring your vision to life — beautifully, responsibly, and with artistry at every step.
Explore our customization options:
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Experience the personalized design process
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Schedule a creative sit-down near you
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Design the ring you’ve always imagined
Your lapis lazuli deserves a setting as expressive as the stone itself.
And Acredo is here to create it — with care, craftsmanship, and intention.