Lapis lazuli, a beautiful deep blue stone, has been treasured for thousands of years. This gemstone, often called “lapis,” has a rich history that connects it to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, including those in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and South Asia. Its story begins in Afghanistan, where some of the world’s oldest and finest lapis lazuli mines are located.
Early Discoveries and Use
The earliest evidence of lapis lazuli mining comes from the Sar-i Sang mines in the Badakhshan region of northeastern Afghanistan. These mines date back to at least 7,000 years ago, making them among the oldest gemstone mines known. People in ancient times valued lapis lazuli not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic and spiritual meanings.
Lapis Lazuli in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Lapis lazuli reached Egypt through ancient trade routes, and it became extremely popular with the pharaohs and the royal families. Egyptian artisans used lapis to make jewelry, amulets, and even eye makeup. In tombs, lapis lazuli was placed to accompany the dead into the afterlife, as it symbolized power, protection, and wisdom.
In Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq and surrounding regions, lapis lazuli was also highly prized. The Sumerians and later the Babylonians carved it into cylinder seals, beads, and statues. In Sumerian mythology, lapis lazuli was associated with the goddess Inanna, who represented love and war.
Trade and Spread to Other Civilizations
Trade routes helped spread lapis lazuli from Afghanistan to the rest of the ancient world. Traders carried it to places as far as Persia (Iran), the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan and India), and even Greece. It became a sign of wealth and prestige in these societies. The Greeks and Romans used it as a gemstone and also ground it into powder to create a blue pigment.
Lapis Lazuli as a Blue Pigment
During the European Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries), lapis lazuli was ground into powder to make ultramarine, the most vivid and expensive blue paint. Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used ultramarine in their paintings. This color symbolized the sky and the heavens, and artists used it to depict important figures in religious paintings.
Modern Discovery and Significance
In modern times, lapis lazuli remains a popular gemstone. Afghanistan is still the main source of high-quality lapis lazuli, though it can also be found in smaller quantities in other countries, such as Chile and Russia. Today, lapis is used in jewelry, home decor, and even healing practices.