Home » Beading Definition: Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli
This opaque, deep blue gemstone has an illustrious past in our history. Archeologists have found clear indications that lapis has been mined for at least 6500 years and was already popular for use in jewelry and ornaments thousands of years ago among the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. In powdered form lapiz was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra and later to create many of the blues in paintings from medieval illuminated manuscripts to Renaissance panels.
Lapis is actually a rock and not a mineral because it is made up from various other minerals. To be a mineral it would have one constituent only.
The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite.
BIRTHSTONE: Lapis Lazuli is an alternate birthstone for the months of September and December.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Lapiz Lazuli is the accepted gem for the 9th wedding anniversary.
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