Lapis lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense color. Its name comes from the Latin lapis, “stone,” and the Persian lajaward, “blue.”
Discovered 6000 years ago, the oldest lapis lazuli deposits are located in the West Hindu-Kush Mountains of Afghanistan. Lapis Lazuli was among the most highly prized tribute paid to Egypt, obtained from the oldest mines in the world. At the end of the Middle Ages, lapis began to be exported to Europe. It was used by some of the most important artists of the Renaissance and Baroque.
Lapis lazuli was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry and worked on.
It is still considered to be one of the most important opaque blue gemstones available. Lapis takes an excellent polish and is often used for both men’s and ladies’ jewelry. It is considered to be an all-time classic stone when set in silver.
Today, Afghanistan is known to produce the finest quality lapis lazuli and is also the most significant source.
Lapis lazuli is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth.
In the funeral mask of Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BC), lapis lazuli was used for the eyebrows of the young Pharaoh.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) by Johannes Vermeer is painted with ultramarine, a natural pigment made from lapis lazuli.
