This opaque, deep blue gemstone was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry. Archaeologists have found this gemstone in excavations in a variety of places around the Mediterranean where they were used as decorative chains and figures; indicating the stone has been popular for thousands of years among the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. Countless lapis lazuli signet rings, scarabs and figures were brought to Europe by Alexander the Great. They referred to the dark blue color as “ultramarine”, which means something like “from beyond the sea.” The name is actually composed from a Latin word “lapis” meaning stone, and an Arabic word “azula” meaning blue.
The stone was used by the Old Masters in their art. It was ground up into a powder and mixed together with binding-agents to create a radiant blue used in watercolors and oil paints.
Lapis lazuli is regarded by many as the stone of friendship and truth. It is said to encourage harmony in relationships and to help its wearer be authentic and speak honestly.
Lapis Lazuli
