Lapis lazuli, a captivating gemstone with a rich history, has fascinated civilizations for millennia. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable stone:
Ancient Origins:
- Lapis lazuli’s journey begins in the rugged mountains of modern-day Afghanistan. As early as the 7th millennium BCE, it was mined in the Sar-i Sang mines and Shortugai, both located in Badakhshan province.
- The ancient Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1900 BCE) highly valued lapis lazuli. Beads made from this gem have been discovered at Neolithic burials in places as distant as Mehrgarh (now in Pakistan), the Caucasus, and Mauritania1.
- Egyptian artisans adorned their jewellery and amulets with lapis lazuli. Burial sites dating back to 3000 BCE contain thousands of jewellery items made from this exquisite stone.
Symbolism and Use:
- Lapis lazuli was associated with the heavens. In ancient Egypt, it adorned the burial masks of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun.
- Its deep blue colour, reminiscent of the sky, inspired awe and reverence. The Latin word “lapis” means “stone,” while “lazuli” refers to the colour blue. Thus, lapis lazuli translates to “stone of the sky” or “stone of heaven” in Arabic and Persian.
- The gem was believed to bring wisdom, truth, and protection to its wearer.
Ultramarine Pigment:
- By the end of the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli found its way to Europe. It was ground into a brilliant blue powder known as ultramarine.
- Renowned artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, such as Vermeer, Titian, and Masaccio, used ultramarine pigment. It adorned the clothing of central figures in their paintings, especially the Virgin Mary.
- Interestingly, traces of ultramarine have been found in the dental tartar of medieval nuns and scribes—perhaps a result of licking their painting brushes while creating manuscripts.
Modern Sources:
- Today, mines in northeast Afghanistan remain a significant source of lapis lazuli. Other deposits exist in Russia (west of Lake Baikal), the Andes mountains in Chile (used by the Inca for artifacts and jewellery), Pakistan, Italy, Mongolia, the United States, and Canada.
In summary, lapis lazuli’s allure spans continents, cultures, and centuries. Its celestial blue hue continues to captivate, making it a timeless gemstone cherished by both ancient civilizations and modern admirers.