Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful opaque gemstone which ideally has a deep uniform blue color that is free of white calcite veining and virtually free of golden pyrite flecks. It was prized by the ancients who mistakenly called it  sapphirus after its deep royal blue color.

Lapis is a very popular gemstone for men's jewelry, second only to black onyx. For women, lapis is often fashioned into earrings and beads, sometimes interspersed with pearls or gold beads. 

Lapis is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the ninth year of marriage. 

Lapis has been highly prized since ancient Babylonian and Egyptian times. An amulet of great power was formed when lapis was worked into the image of an eye and ornamented with gold. Sometimes it was even buried with mummies. It was recognized as a symbol for ability, success and divine favor. 

The primary source of lapis is Afghanistan.