One of our favourite gems at Atlas Accessories is the mystical Lapis Lazuli. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue gemstone with gold pyrite inclusions. It has been prized for its beauty and symbolism since ancient times. Its rich colour and captivating texture have made it a popular choice for jewellery, amulets, and decorative objects.
Lapis lazuli is often associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual awareness. It is believed to enhance intuition, promote spiritual growth, and provide protection from negative energy. This gemstone has been used in religious and spiritual practices for centuries, and it continues to hold significance in many cultures today.
The name "lapis lazuli" is derived from the Latin words "lapis" (stone) and "lazuli" (blue). The gold pyrite inclusions found in lapis lazuli are often referred to as "gold flecks" or "stars." These inclusions add to the gemstone's unique beauty and can enhance its energetic properties.
Lapis lazuli is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for various jewellery styles. It is often used in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. The gemstone can also be carved into decorative objects, such as sculptures and paperweights.
The History of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli has a rich history that dates back to the early civilisations. Its origins are steeped in mystery, with the earliest known uses dating back to the 7th millennium BCE.
This mineral was first mined in the Sar-i Sang mines in what is now Afghanistan. The stone was highly prized for its vibrant hue, and was often used in jewellery and decorative items.
In the ancient world, lapis lazuli was considered a symbol of wealth and power. It was used extensively in the creation of ornate objects and was often found in the tombs of the wealthy and powerful.
The science behind the stone's intense blue colour is fascinating. It is due to the presence of the mineral lazurite, which gives lapis lazuli its distinctive hue. This precious stone continues to captivate us with its beauty and its history.
Lapis Lazuli in the Ancient World
The ancient world held a deep fascination for lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone known for its intense blue colour. This captivating stone was mined in Afghanistan and exported to the Mediterranean world and South Asia since the Neolithic age, making it a significant part of ancient trade routes.
Lapis lazuli was not just a trade commodity; it was a symbol of prestige and power. The Sumerian city-state of Ur, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, is a testament to this. Archaeologists have discovered a plethora of lapis lazuli artefacts, including a dagger with a lapis handle, a bowl inlaid with lapis, amulets, beads, and inlays representing eyebrows and beards, all from the Royal Tombs of Ur.
The stone's popularity was not limited to the Sumerians. It was also used extensively in ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known works of literature, mentions lapis lazuli several times, indicating its cultural significance. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was a favourite stone for amulets and ornaments. Even Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, is said to have used powdered lapis as eyeshadow.
The history of lapis lazuli is a testament to its enduring allure. Its intense blue colour, its mineral composition, and its rich history make it a fascinating subject for both science and history enthusiasts.
The Science Behind Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, has a rich history and science behind it. Its composition is intriguing, primarily made up of lazurite, which gives it the iconic blue colour. Other minerals like calcite and pyrite are also present, contributing to its unique appearance.
The structure of lapis lazuli is equally fascinating. It's not a single mineral but a rock, a composite of several minerals. The interlocking crystal structure of lazurite, the main component, is what makes it so durable and ideal for carving and jewellery.
The blue pigment in lapis lazuli, known as natural ultramarine, is highly prized. It's the result of the presence of sulphur in the lazurite. Interestingly, there's a synthetic version of ultramarine, but it doesn't quite match the vibrancy of the natural pigment.
Sources and Mining
Lapis lazuli has been mined for centuries. Its primary sources are the mines in Afghanistan, which have been operational since the 7th millennium BC. These mines are still the largest and most productive sources of this vibrant blue stone.
The mining process of lapis lazuli is labour-intensive and requires a great deal of skill. Miners must carefully extract the stone to avoid damaging its quality. The stone is then sorted by colour and quality, with the deepest blue stones being the most valuable.
However, lapis lazuli is not only found in Afghanistan. There are also significant deposits in Chile, Russia, and other parts of the world. Each source produces Lapis Lazuli with slightly different colour and quality characteristics, adding to the stone's allure and mystique.
The Colour of Lapis Lazuli
The intense blue colour of lapis lazuli is a sight to behold. This deep, celestial hue has captivated the hearts of many, making it a prized gemstone throughout history. The blue colour is not just any ordinary blue, it's an intense blue that seems to hold the vastness of the sky and the depth of the sea.
The intensity of the blue shade is due to the presence of the mineral lazurite. This mineral, which forms a significant part of the stone, is responsible for the intense blue colour that Lapis Lazuli is renowned for. The higher the concentration of lazurite, the deeper and more intense the blue.
Variations in Shade
The blue shade of lapis lazuli is not uniform. It ranges from a deep, intense blue to a lighter, more azure hue. This variation is due to the presence of different minerals within the stone, each contributing to the overall colour palette.
The intense blue colour is primarily due to the presence of the mineral lazurite. However, the presence of other minerals such as calcite and pyrite can lighten the blue shade, adding a touch of white or gold to the stone.
Lapis Lazuli in Art
In the ancient world, this stone was ground into a powder to create the pigment ultramarine, a blue pigment of unparalleled intensity and durability. This pigment was highly prized and often reserved for the most important commissions.
One can witness the use of lapis lazuli in ancient art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum houses numerous artefacts where the blue pigment derived from this stone has been used, showcasing its historical significance.
The 'Girl with a Pearl' is another example of the use of lapis lazuli in ancient art. The blue pigment in the painting's background is believed to be derived from this stone, further highlighting its importance in the art world.
The Enduring Allure of Lapis Lazuli
The enduring allure of Lapis Lazuli is undeniable. Its intense blue colour, rich history, and scientific intrigue make it a fascinating subject.
From its use as a precious stone in ancient times to its modern applications in art and industry, Lapis Lazuli continues to captivate us.
Discover the transformative power of lapis lazuli with Atlas Accessories. Each piece is carefully selected for its unique colour and texture, and is crafted with the highest quality materials.
Experience the benefits of lapis lazuli for yourself. Shop our collection today and find your perfect piece.
