Lapis Lazuli Egg 65mm H:7 x W:4.5cm (217g) (Afghanistan)

The word "Lazuli" (meaning blue) is derived from a Latin term "Lazulum", which in turn originates from the Persian world for blue. Lapis is composed from many minerals, but lazurite is the one which gives it its signature shade. Lapis also contains several other minerals that are responsible for its wide variety of hues. Other minerals in Lapis include sodalite, and sometimes augite and mica among many others.

Lapis lazuli also known as just lapis is a stone with one of the longest traditions of being considered a gem with a history stretching back to 5000 BC. Deep blue in colour and opaque this gemstone was highly prised by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Lapis Lazuli means the stone of Azure.

The highest quality deposits are found in the Sar-e-Sand deposit in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan's Kochka River Valley. However it can also be found in other areas of the world such as Russia, Canada, Burma and Chile.

Please Note: Natural gemstone or semi-precious stone comes from minerals. Due to their naturality, the stones may have tiny flaws. Meanwhile, cutting or polishing also makes every piece of gemstone vary in colour and size. The image may look different (colour) due to many monitor or device resolutions.