Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli (Lat., 'azure stone,' the lazuli being for Arabic lajward, the name of the stone; azure is a corruption of lajward), a mineral of beautiful ultramarine or azure colour, consisting chiefly of silica and alumina, with a little sulphuric acid, soda, and lime. The colour varies much in its degree of intensity. Lapis lazuli is often marked by white spots and bands. It is generally found massive, and is translucent at the edges, with uneven, finely granular fracture, but sometimes appears crystallised in rhombic dodecahedrons, its primitive form. It is found associated with crystalline limestone amongst schistose rocks and in granite, in Siberia, China, Tibet, Chili, &c. The finest specimens are brought from Bokhara. It seems to have been the only stone of any intrinsic value known to the Egyptians under the Pharaohs. The ancients used it much for engraving, for vases, &c. (see King's Natural History of Gems). It is extensively employed in ornamental and mosaic work, and for sumptuous altars and shrines. It is easily wrought, and takes a good polish. The valuable pigment called Ultramarine (q.v.) is made from it. It is one of the minerals sometimes called Azure Stone.