Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: About lapis lazuli; Use in ancient civilisations (Indus Valley, Egyptian, European Renaissance).
About Lapis Lazuli
- Deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious gemstone.
- Valued for its colour and ornamental properties for over 6,000 years.
Geological Composition
- Lapis lazuli is primarily composed of lazurite (25-40%), a feldspathoid silicate mineral that gives the rock its characteristic deep blue color.
- Its blueness depends on the amount and structure of sulphur within lazurite.
Prevalence
- Found in many countries so far, including Chile, Russia, and the US.
- The highest quality rock comes from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, where it has been mined for more than 6,000 years.
Historical Significance and Uses
- In ancient times, traders in India imported lapis lazuli from Badakhshan, perhaps as long ago as 1000 BC.
- Ornamental lapis lazuli ornaments have been found in the remains of Indus Civilisation sites including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
- Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli in jewellery, amulets, and as powdered eye makeup.
- In the Renaissance period, artistes in Europe ground lapis lazuli down into ultramarine, an expensive pigment they used in their paintings.