Lapis is a Latin word means stone but the etymology of the word. Lazuli
is somewhat complicated that has its origin within an ancient Persian
word for the area where that stone was mined. Lazuli basically
represents something in the deep blue hue and that is the reason that
Lapis Lazuli is considered the Stone of Azure or the Stone of the sky. There
is more than one kind of mineral in it that is why Lapis Lazuli is a
rock rather than a mineral. The stones that spots or strips of gold colored
pyrite mixed are considered the best in quality. These pots and strips
can also found in white but whiteness decreases the value of stones and
the whiter the stone has, the lesser its value.
Lapis Lazuli has been mined in some areas of Afghanistan and
Pakistan for more than 6,500 years. The stone is also found in Iran,
Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan. In ancient Egypt the stone was used for
carvings of the sacred scarab beetle and also as amulet to utilize the
spiritual powers of the stone that was associated to it. Romans used
that stone for jewelry mosaics and considered it the best source to
intensify the sexual desires. The stone was also used to adore royal
palaces and the churches during renaissance and medieval times. Many
other decorative items, vases and jewelry boxes were also made from the
stone. Before 19th century ground lapis Lazuli was used in paintings to
make deep blue color ultramarine. It was also used with milk to treat
the disease like ulcers and boils.
The best kinds of Lapis Lazuli are still found in Afghanistan, Iran,
Pakistan and South America. This stone requires some cares for wearing
it as it is soft and prone to chemical and heat. Too much exposure to
the sun also makes the stone fade and it emits a terrible smell when it
is cut by the jeweler, it happens due to the sulfur content of that
stone.
This stone is also known as the stone of friendship in many parts of
the world and given as a gift to the friends and loved ones. This
gemstone is as old as hills but it popularity and beauty is adored with
the same zeal and zest and passion as in past and it's as popular in
jewelry items as it was in the Past.
Pishie Poshie
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