german lapis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialisedSpecialist / Historical / Commercial (Gemology, Antiques, Art History)
Quick answer
What does “german lapis” mean?
A specific, sometimes commercially used, name for a type of dyed jasper or agate intended to imitate true lapis lazuli.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific, sometimes commercially used, name for a type of dyed jasper or agate intended to imitate true lapis lazuli.
A misleading or mis-sold material presented as genuine lapis lazuli; can refer to any blue-dyed stone masquerading as lapis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. Term is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes imitation, artificiality, or historical trade practices. It may imply a degree of deception if not properly disclosed.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Used almost exclusively by gemologists, antique jewellery dealers, mineral collectors, and art historians.
Grammar
How to Use “german lapis” in a Sentence
[Noun] is/may be German lapis.They sold it as German lapis.A piece of German lapisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “german lapis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This Victorian brooch has been german-lapised, I'm afraid.
- They would often german lapis poorer quality stones to increase their value.
American English
- The bead was German-lapised to look more valuable.
- The process of German lapising agate was common in the 19th century.
adverb
British English
- The stone was treated German-lapis-ly.
American English
- The gem was crafted German-lapis-style.
adjective
British English
- It's a German-lapis intaglio, not the real thing.
- The German-lapis market was quite active in the 1800s.
American English
- She identified it as a German-lapis imitation.
- The German-lapis material was convincingly blue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In gemstone commerce, used to correctly identify and label an imitation product to avoid fraud.
Academic
Used in art history or material culture studies to describe historical practices of gemstone imitation.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would simply say 'fake lapis' or 'imitation'.
Technical
Specific term in gemology for a composite or treated material designed to mimic lapis lazuli's appearance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “german lapis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “german lapis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “german lapis”
- Using it to refer to genuine lapis lazuli from Germany (true lapis does not come from Germany).
- Assuming it is a standard or well-known term in English.
- Capitalising 'lapis' (it is not a proper noun in this compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It has very little intrinsic value compared to genuine lapis lazuli. Its value is primarily historical or collectible, not as a precious gemstone.
Genuine lapis lazuli contains golden pyrite flecks and is not uniformly dyed. German lapis (dyed jasper) often shows the dye concentrated in cracks, lacks pyrite, and may react to acetone.
The name likely originates from Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a historic centre for cutting, dyeing, and working gemstones, which was known for producing such imitations.
No, it is a highly specialised term. In everyday conversation, 'fake lapis', 'imitation lapis', or 'dyed stone' would be far more widely understood.
A specific, sometimes commercially used, name for a type of dyed jasper or agate intended to imitate true lapis lazuli.
German lapis is usually specialist / historical / commercial (gemology, antiques, art history) in register.
German lapis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɜː.mən ˈlæp.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɝː.mən ˈlæp.ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'German Lapis' = 'German Likeness'. Germany was famous for making a look-alike stone.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING (something valuable in appearance but fake in nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'German lapis' primarily?