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The name lapis lazuli derives from the Persian "Lazur," meaning "Blue," and "Lapre," meaning "Stone."
It is one of the oldest gemstones known and used by humankind. It was only called lapis lazuli since the Middle Ages. Before that, this stone was often confused with sapphire.
This mistake stems from numerous erroneous translations in Greek, Egyptian, and biblical texts. What is translated as sapphire in the Old Testament is most likely lapis lazuli based on local geology.
Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of various minerals, including lazurite, calcite, sodalite, and pyrite (fool’s gold). It is primarily the presence of calcite, in the form of white streaks, that determines the value of the stone. Calcite is considered a flaw, and the most valuable lapis lazuli contains the least amount of it.
Almost all of the lapis lazuli used during antiquity in Asia and Europe came from deposits located in the mountains of Afghanistan, where extraction continues to this day, perpetuating techniques dating back over 2,000 years.
In the Americas, the Incas and other pre-Hispanic cultures mined deposits in the region of Chile 2,000 years ago, primarily to make masks and decorations. Lapis lazuli was often revered as a representation of the starry sky by these civilizations.
The Egyptians and Sumerians used lapis lazuli to create masks due to its symbolism of purity.
During the time of the Sumerians, it was believed that lapis lazuli averted dangers and provided protection. Its use dates back to 3800 BCE, and its popularity as jewelry, amulets, and decorative elements only continued to grow.
It is even mentioned several times in the famous Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh.
Additionally, it was associated with the goddess of the netherworld, Inanna, who traveled in the underworld and measured the remaining lifespan of each person.
The Egyptians used lapis lazuli to create jewelry, vases, figurines, and even makeup, particularly for eye adornment. This stone adorned numerous decorative elements, such as paintings and furniture, as exemplified by the sarcophagus and mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, iconic examples of its use.
In ancient Greece, lapis lazuli, known as the "sapphire of the ancients," held particular significance. It was associated with Athena, goddess of war and wisdom, as well as Hera, goddess of marriage and queen of the gods.
The Romans attributed aphrodisiac properties to lapis lazuli, considering it the stone of Venus, goddess of love.
The Celts also revered lapis lazuli, linking it to the river goddess Dana, thus demonstrating its importance in their culture and beliefs.
In the Islamic Orient, lapis lazuli was revered as a protective amulet against the evil eye, symbolizing safety and well-being.
For the Hebrews, lapis lazuli symbolized the sky, with its flecks of golden pyrite representing the sun.
Some biblical scholars even posit that Moses’ Tablets of the Law were carved from this precious stone, often confused with sapphire in ancient texts.
It is likely that this was one of the stones on Aaron’s breastplate, thus serving as a symbol of the twelve tribes of Israel, in place of the stone translated as sapphire.
During the Middle Ages, powdered lapis lazuli mixed with milk was used as a poultice to relieve ulcers and boils, and reputed to strengthen bone structure for robust health.
The dust of lapis lazuli, known as azurite or lazurite, is prized by Renaissance painters for its exceptionally long-lasting blue pigment. By mixing this powder with oil, the famous ultramarine color is obtained, which Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer likened to "blue gold".
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this pigment was as precious as gold itself.
Today, lapis lazuli remains a sought-after material in jewelry, with Chile being the main supplier of this ore.
The craftsmanship of lapis lazuli often includes engraving, as evidenced by the magnificent objects of the French crown, such as a cup in pyrite lapis offered to Louis XVI and an immense tray made of this prestigious material.
Mines: Afghanistan, Chili, Russia, USA and Italy.
⚠ Please note that all healing properties presented for gemstones are gathered from various sources. This information is provided as a service and is not intended to treat medical conditions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for serious medical issues and not to rely solely on gemstones as a treatment.