1 deep blue lapiz lazuli tumble stone

Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock that has been prized for its intense color and ornamental value for thousands of years. Here are some key details about this beautiful stone:
### **Composition & Properties**  
- **Primary mineral:** Lazurite (responsible for its rich blue color).  
- **Other components:** Calcite (white streaks), pyrite (metallic gold flecks), and small amounts of other minerals like sodalite and hauynite.  
- **Hardness:** 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale (relatively soft, making it carveable but also delicate).  
- **Color:** Ranges from deep royal blue to lighter shades, often with golden pyrite specks or white calcite veins.  
### **Historical Significance**  
- **Ancient Civilizations:**  
  - Mined in Afghanistan as early as **7,000 years ago** (the Sar-e-Sang mines are still a major source).  
  - Used in **Egyptian art**, including Tutankhamun’s funeral mask and scarabs.  
  - Ground into powder to make **ultramarine pigment** for Renaissance paintings (e.g., Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel).  
- **Symbolism:** Associated with royalty, wisdom, and truth in many cultures. The Sumerians believed it held the soul of deities.  
### **Uses**  
- **Jewelry & Carvings:** Popular in beads, cabochons, and decorative objects (though often stabilized due to its softness).  
- **Pigment:** Historically, pure lapis was ground for ultramarine paint, but today synthetic versions are more common.  
- **Spiritual/Metaphysical:** Considered a stone of insight and harmony in crystal healing traditions (linked to the "third eye" chakra).  
### **Sources**  
- **Best-Quality Sources:** Afghanistan (still the most renowned), Chile, Russia (Lake Baikal), and smaller deposits in the U.S. (California) and Myanmar.  
- **Imitations:** Dyed howlite or synthetic materials are often sold as "lapis"—real lapis has natural variations and pyrite flecks.  
### **Care Tips**  
- Avoid harsh chemicals, heat, and prolonged sunlight to prevent fading.  
- Clean gently with a damp cloth (no ultrasonic cleaners).