This gemstone has been prized for its bright, blue colour and used for inlays as well as for pigments for cosmetics and paintings. Lapis lazuli is found in limestone in Afghanistan, where the Sar-i Sang mine deposits have been worked for more than 6,000 years.
Lapis Lazuli is a gem with a diverse and colourful mythology that alludes to why it was once as valuable as gold. Believed to have mystical purifying and curative properties, this ancient blue gem fascinated Pagans, Jews, Christians, Buddhists and Muslims.
An opaque gemstone, Lapis Lazuli is actually a rock comprised primarily of Lazurite and several other minerals, including Calcite and golden sparkling flecks of Pyrite .
Many cultures believe that Lapis Lazuli is a stone of truth and friendship.
