Lapis
Lazuli
Lapis lazuli
is a beautiful opaque gemstone which ideally has a deep
uniform blue color that is free of white calcite veining
and virtually free of golden pyrite flecks. It was prized
by the ancients who mistakenly called it ñsapphirusî
after its deep royal blue color.
Lapis
is a very popular gemstone for men»s jewelry, second
only to black onyx. For women, lapis is often fashioned
into earrings and beads, sometimes interspersed with
pearls or gold beads.
Lapis
is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the ninth
year of marriage.
Lapis
has been highly prized since ancient Babylonian and
Egyptian times. An amulet of ñgreat powerî was formed
when lapis was worked into the image of an eye and
ornamented with gold. Sometimes it was even buried
with mummies. It was recognized as a symbol for ability,
success and divine favor.
The prime
source of lapis is Afghanistan.
