lapis lazuli

[ lap-is laz-oo-lee, -lahy, laz-yoo-, lazh-oo- ]

noun

1. a deep-blue mineral composed mainly of lazurite with smaller quantities of other minerals, used mainly as a gem or as a pigment.
2. a sky-blue color; azure.

lapis lazuli

/ ˈlæpɪs /

noun

1. a brilliant blue variety of the mineral lazurite, used as a gemstone
2. the deep blue colour of lapis lazuli

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapis lazuli¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin, equivalent to Latin lapis “stone” + Medieval Latin lazulī, genitive of lazulum “lapis lazuli”; azure

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapis lazuli¹

C14: from Latin lapis stone + Medieval Latin lazulī, from lazulum, from Arabic lāzaward, from Persian lāzhuward, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

It is made of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and pink coral.

From New York Times

Several mineral supply chains have even helped finance repressive military regimes or terrorist groups, like jade and rubies from Burma and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan.

From National Geographic

The gothic-style brooch — composed of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and coral — is now by far the most prized piece in her modest collection.

From Seattle Times

Moreover, could it have functioned as a sacred cemetery for nomadic travellers, considering that the closest source of lapis lazuli found in these graves likely traces back to distant Afghanistan?

From BBC

Other discoveries included semiprecious stones such as amber from the Baltics and lapis lazuli and carnelian from Mesopotamia and the northern Levant, according to Fischer.

From Seattle Times

More About Lapis Lazuli

What does lapis lazuli mean?

Lapis lazuli is an opaque, deep-blue mineral used as a gemstone. It’s sometimes referred to as simply lapis.

It is categorized as a semiprecious stone, which is a classification used for stones considered to have a lower value than those deemed precious.

Lapis lazuli is the one of birthstones for the month of December. It is also sometimes considered a birthstone for the month of September. It is associated with the zodiac signs Sagitarrius and Capricorn.

Along with being used in jewelry, lapis lazuli can be ground and used as a pigment, such as for painting or decorating other materials. Powdered lapis lazuli used for pigment is often known as ultramarine.

The term lapis lazuli is also sometimes used to refer to a deep-blue color (like that of the stone).

Example: The exhibit featured an exquisite artifact sculpted from lapis lazuli.

Where does lapis lazuli come from?

The first records of the term lapis lazuli in English come from the 1300s. It is derived from the Latin lapis, meaning “stone,” and lazulī, which is of obscure origin (the word azure shares the same root).

Lapis lazuli frequently forms in crystalline limestone. Its composition can vary, but it is primarily composed of the mineral lazurite, which gives it its deep-blue color.

Lapis lazuli has a very long history of being highly prized for its intense coloring. It was traditionally mined in what is now Afghanistan and widely traded through ancient Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. Many ancient artifacts feature lapis lazuli, including necklaces, beads, and other ornaments. During the Middle Ages, powdered lapis lazuli was a very valuable pigment.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for lapis lazuli?

• lapis (when referring to the stone)
• azure (when referring to the color)

What are some words that share a root or word element with lapis lazuli? 

• azure

What are some words that often get used in discussing lapis lazuli?

• gemstone
• gem
• mineral
• jewelry
• semiprecious
• pigment
• ultramarine
• blue

How is lapis lazuli used in real life?

Lapis lazuli is known for its rich blue color and its use in jewelry.

The first blue pigment to hold its colour was often prized over gold. The semi-precious stone lapis lazuli was ground into an iridescent pigment, sometimes called ultramarine, that seemed to shine when applied to the canvas.

LITTLE ROCK TEARDROP LAPIS EARRINGS pic.twitter.com/Q9jdk6x1iR

— Van Peterson Design (@VanPetersons) February 21, 2021

Lapis Lazuli,Mesopotamian´s Sacred Gem
From 4000 B.C Lapis Lazuli was being traded in Mesopotamia. Royalty felt safer for the journey to the underworld if they could placate the gods with gifts of sacred Lapis Lazuli. It was their insurance,In Lapis Lazuli,Mesopotamian Sacred Gem pic.twitter.com/qA6HRRi3ga

— زياد الدليمي 🇮🇶 𒍣𒅀𒀜 🇮🇶 (@zeyad_aldulime) February 18, 2021

Lapis Lazuli Gold Rhyton. Iran, 6th–5th century BC, (H. 18 cm).

Provenance: Abegg Fondatinon, Collection inv. no. 6.7.63.#archaeohistories pic.twitter.com/Cy1nxKWuqA

— Archaeo – Histories (@archeohistories) November 28, 2021

 

 

Try using lapis lazuli!

True or False? 

Powdered lapis lazuli that’s used for pigment is called ultramarine.