Lapis Lazuli | Vibepedia

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock, prized since antiquity for its intense color and rich history. Primarily composed of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite, it was first mined in Afghanistan as early as the 7th millennium BC. Its allure spanned ancient civilizations, appearing in the funeral mask of [[tutankhamun|Tutankhamun]], adorning [[indus-valley-civilization|Indus Valley]] artifacts, and serving as the source for the pigment [[ultramarine|ultramarine]]. The name itself, derived from the Persian 'lāžward', has given root to words for blue across multiple languages, including 'azure'. Today, lapis lazuli continues to be valued in jewelry and decorative arts, though its historical significance as a rare and precious commodity is unmatched.