Lapis Lazuli - the stone of the Sky

                                                                                         

"Lapis" is a Latin word means stone but the etymology of the word ;Lazuli is somewhat complicated that has its origin within an ancient Persian word for the area where that stone was mined. Lazuli basically represents something in the deep blue hue and that is the reason that Lapis Lazuli is considered the Stone of Azure or the Stone of the sky. There is more than one kind of mineral in it that is why Lapis Lazuli is a rock than a mineral. The stones that spots or strips of gold colored pyrite mixed are considered the best in quality. These pots and strips can also found in white but whiteness decreases the value of stones and the whiter the stone has, the lesser its value.

Lapis Lazuli has been mined in some areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan for more than 6,500 years. The stone is also found in Iran, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan. In ancient Egypt the stone was used for carvings of the sacred scarab beetle and also as amulet to utilize the spiritual powers of the stone that was associated to it. Romans used that stone for jewelry mosaics and considered it the best source to intensify the sexual desires. The stone was also used to adore royal palaces and the churches during renaissance and medieval times. Many other decorative items, vases and jewelry boxes were also made from the stone. Before 19th century ground lapis Lazuli was used in paintings to make deep blue color ultramarine. It was also used with milk to treat the disease like ulcers and boils.

The best kinds of Lapis Lazuli are still found in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and South America. This stone requires some cares for wearing it as it is soft and prone to chemical and heat. Too much exposure to the sun also makes the stone fade and it emits a terrible smell when it is cut by the jeweler, it happens due to the sulfur content of that stone.

This stone is also known as the stone of friendship in many parts of the world and given as a gift to the friends and loved ones. This gemstone is as old as hills but it popularity and beauty is adored with the same zeal and zest and passion as in past and it’s as popular in jewelry items as it was in the Past.

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