LAPIS LAZULI

LAPIS LAZULI   by Jon Ber

Lapis was once used in the creation of color pigment from its rock powder, but this expensive practice was replaced by artificial materials.

Blue Rock, In Arabic, Lapis Lazuli, is derived from Lazurite, a complex silicate containing a range of minerals such as the Pyrite also known as "Fools Gold."

Like other green and blue stones, Lapis is believed by many to enable fight evil, bring fortune and help overcome anxiety.

Lapis has been admired and used in the creation of jewelry and ornaments for as long as 6000 years. It is still more desirable and more expensive than most semi precious stones.

The best specimens of Lapis always came from Kokcha, a desolate mountains region in Northern Afghanistan accessible by horses only.

Marco Polo visited the area in the 13th century and is quoted as writing that it is where the finest Lapis Lazuli in the world is found.