Collection: Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone transformed into an intense blue pigment, one of the most precious in the history of art. Used for over 7,000 years, this rare and deep blue, sometimes subject to chromatic alterations, remains a symbol of artistic richness and timeless fascination.

🔷 Origin and composition of Lapis Lazuli

• Composition : Lapis lazuli is a rock composed mainly of lazurite , but often also contains calcite (white) and pyrite (gold), which sometimes gives it sparkling reflections.

• Color : Its blue varies from sky blue to deep midnight blue. The intense blue with few white veins (calcite) and golden tips (pyrite) is the most sought after.

• Origin :

  • The most famous deposits are located in Afghanistan (Badakhshan region), which have been exploited for over 6,000 years.

  • They are also found in Chile , Russia , and more recently in Pakistan .

🏺 History and symbolism of Lapis Lazuli

• In ancient Egypt , lapis lazuli was used to make amulets, jewelry, and funerary masks (such as that of Tutankhamun ).

• It was associated with royalty , wisdom , and the divine . It often symbolized the starry sky.

• In the medieval world, crushed lapis lazuli was used to produce a very rare and precious blue pigment: ultramarine , used in particular by Renaissance painters to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary.

✨ Esoteric properties (in esoteric traditions and lithotherapy)

• It is often associated with the throat chakra (communication) and the third eye (intuition).

• It is said to have virtues such as:

  • Promote clarity of mind and wisdom .

  • Stimulate creativity and sincere communication .

  • Relieve stress and anxiety .

💍 Modern Use of Lapis Lazuli

• Jewelry : Highly prized for necklaces, rings, bracelets and decorative items.

• Decoration : Sculptures, inlays in furniture or luxury objects.

• Pigments : Now replaced by synthetic alternatives, but true ultramarine made from lapis is still used in some traditional arts.

What is the value of a quality lapis lazuli?

It all depends on its color and purity. A deep, uniform blue, with few white veins and a few golden flashes of pyrite, can be worth several hundred euros per kilo. Lesser-quality stones, with more white veins, sometimes sell for ten times less.

Where can you still find lapis lazuli today?

Afghanistan remains the historical source, exploited for over 6,000 years. It is also extracted in Chile, Russia, and Pakistan. However, the Afghan deposit of Badakhshan is considered the most prestigious in the world.

Why was this blue pigment so expensive in the Middle Ages?

Because it was necessary to import the raw stone from Afghanistan, reduce it to a very fine powder, and then purify it. It sometimes took several weeks to obtain 100 grams of pigment. As a result, the price of ultramarine could exceed that of gold.

Does lapis lazuli change color over time?

Yes, some ancient frescoes show areas that have faded to green or gray. This is due to chemical alterations of the lazurite or the mixtures used by the painters. This phenomenon explains why some medieval skies have lost their original brightness.

Is lapis lazuli still used as a pigment today?

Very rarely. Natural pigment still exists, but it is reserved for restorations or for artists who want to work "the old-fashioned way." In practice, synthetic ultramarine, created in the 19th century, is mainly used, and is much less expensive.