Lapis Lazuli, the Hypnotic Blue Stone.

Lapis Lazuli was the most precious and sought-after gem in the history of mankind.

In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs adorned themselves with this magical stone which they carried in the afterlife. The funeral mask of Tutankhamun and his jewellery are richly decorated with Lapis.

Did you know that this gem was also used as a pigment? It was Cleopatra’s favourite eye shadow colour. Then, thanks to the ancient trade routes, Lapis Lazuli arrived in Europe where it was highly prized and admired for its stunning shades of blue.

During the Renaissance, Masters used to grind it into powder to create the finest and most expensive of all blue pigments: the ultramarine. Michelangelo used it in the frescoes of Rome’s Sistine Chapel. Another well-known example of the Baroque period is perhaps Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl earring.

Lapis Lazuli has always been regarded as a highly spiritual stone, associated with enlightenment, wisdom and truth. In crystal therapy, it is used to stimulate intuition and support the immune system.