Lapis Lazuli
Or lapis for short, is a deep blue metamorphic rock that has been prized since antiquity for its intense colour.
In ancient times Lapis Lazuli was most highly regarded because of its beautiful colour and the valuable ultramarine dye derived from it. Its name comes from the Latin lapis, “stone,” and the Persian lazhuward, “blue.” It is rock formed by multiple minerals, mostly Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite and Pyrite, and is a rich medium to royal blue with gold flecks of the mineral pyrite. Lapis Lazuli was among the most highly prized decorative stones in ancient Egypt, obtained from the oldest mines in the world, worked from around 4000 B.C. and still in use today.
