Lapis lazuli is a deep blue, semi-precious gemstone that has been highly valued for thousands of years. It is a metamorphic rock that is primarily composed of the mineral lazurite, along with other minerals such as calcite, pyrite, and sodalite.
Lapis lazuli has been prized for its intense blue color and has been used in jewelry, decorative objects, and pigment for painting. In ancient times, it was highly valued by the Egyptians, who used it for jewelry, amulets, and in the burial masks of pharaohs. It was also used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for decorative purposes.
In addition to its use in jewelry and decorative objects, lapis lazuli has also been ground into a fine powder and used as a pigment for painting. It was a highly prized pigment in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and was used by artists such as Michelangelo and Vermeer. Today, it is still used by some artists as a pigment for oil painting.
Lapis lazuli is often associated with the throat chakra in spiritual practices, and is said to enhance communication, creativity, and self-expression. It is also believed to have healing properties and to promote mental clarity and spiritual growth.