LAPIS LAZULI

The word "lapis" is the Latin word for "stone." The names "lazuli" and Lazurite are derived from the Persian "lazhuward" and Latin "lazulum," both meaning blue or heaven. As a result, its full name "Lapis Lazuli," often shortened to Lapis, is sometimes mistakenly used for the mineral Lazurite.

Legend and lore

Lapis was mentioned in writing in 2650 BC in the Sumerian epic of "Gilgamesh" and in the book of Exodus in the Bible. The ancient Egyptians used Lapis extensively in religious ceremonies (it appears in various passages in the Egyptian "Book of the Dead"), and Lapis items were found in royal tombs, including that of Tutankhamen. The ancient city of Ur had a thriving trade in Lapis as early as the fourth millennium BC.

The Greeks and Romans used it as a reward for bravery and the Romans also believed Lapis to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The Greeks and Romans also employed it for inlaid work and for jewelry, amulets and talismans. They named it "sapphirus" (blue), which is now used for the blue variety of Corundum, Sapphire.

When Lapis was first introduced to Europe, it was called Ultramarinum, meaning beyond the sea. Lapis was once powdered and mixed with oil to produce the pigment ultramarine, which is seen in the beautiful blues of Renaissance paintings. Ultramarine has been made synthetically since 1828.

In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy and free the soul from error, envy and fear. In the 17th century, it was used in medicine to prevent miscarriages, epilepsy and dementia.

Attributed with great healing, purifying and curative properties, Lapis allegedly points the way to enlightenment, and aids in the opening of the third eye. Popular with ancient alchemists, it was used in medicine, cosmetics and paintings. It was also believed to confer ability, success, divine favor, ancient wisdom and cure sore throats. No wonder it was once as valuable as gold!

The Arab geographer Istakhri recorded a visit to the Afghanistan Lapis mines in the 10th century and Marco Polo visited and wrote about them in 1271.

Just the facts

Mined in the Kochka river valley of Badakhshan, Afghanistan for over 7,000 years, the "Armenian stone" is an enduring rock - and yes, it is a rock! Lapis is a contact metamorphosed limestone that contains Lazurite, Pyrite and Calcite. Unlike other gems, it is a composite of several materials with sparkling flecks of Pyrite (fool's gold), adding to its mystical allure.

Arguably, the finest Lapis Lazuli is a dark royal blue color and as with all gems, the quality of its cutting is also a consideration.