In this paper, the gemological, mineralogical and spectral characteristics of four kinds of imitation lapis lazuli samples collected in the jewelry market of Beijing were studied by such means as gem microscope, polarizing microscope, X-ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the four imitation samples can be grouped into two categories, one is dyeing marble and the other is manmade stone. The latter imitations mainly composed of calcite, lapis lazuli and pyrite grains are cemented by epoxy resin and were made with the mold. Lapis lazuli and their imitations can be preliminarily identified according to visual observation and amplification research on their gemological characteristics. Furthermore, identification and distinction can be carried out by XRD and infrared spectrometer.