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Ch. 20: Lapis-Lazuli

Ch. 19: Zircon Page of 111 Ch. 20: Lapis-Lazuli Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
     
     
 
Lapis Lazuli
 
 

 
 
The gems known as lapis lazuli are only the finest specimens of the comparatively abundant mineral of the same name. This stone was a gem of the Greek, Roman, and Hebrew scrip­tures, and throughout ancient times was very highly prized. Pliny likens it to the blue sky adorned with stars. Large quantities of it worked by artisans into various forms are found in early Egyptian tombs. The Chinese have also long held it in high esteem.
The Asiatic mines from which the mineral first came were visited by Marco Polo, in the year 1271 a.d.
The color of the mineral is blue. It is quite opaque. The most prized shade is ultramarine, but the stone occurs also in paler tints. Usually grains of pyrite are scattered through the stones and from this effect Pliny was able to liken it to a "starry sky." The name lapis lazuli means blue stone.
The best lapis lazuli now comes from Badakschan, in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.
 
 

 
     
Ch. 19: Zircon Page of 111 Ch. 20: Lapis-Lazuli
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