Lapis Lazuli - Stone of the Sky

Lapis lazuli, deep blue flecked with gold, was mined as early as 7,000 years ago in Afghanistan. Ancient Egyptians crushed it into powder for cosmetics and sacred paints; it also adorned the tomb mask of Tutankhamun.

Often seen as a stone of truth, royalty, and wisdom, lapis has been connected with the heavens, inspiring poets and mystics. In the Middle Ages, its pigment became the prized ultramarine, more precious than gold.