What is lapis lazuli?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Lapis lazuli is an opaque metamorphic rock prized for its intense royal blue colour, used in jewellery and art for over five thousand years. The blue comes primarily from the mineral lazurite, while the golden metallic flecks are iron pyrite and the soft white veins are calcite. Ancient artefacts containing lapis from Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and Rome have been found, and Renaissance painters, including Michelangelo, ground it into the vivid blue pigment known as ultramarine. The finest material still comes from Afghanistan.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the gold flecks in lapis lazuli?
- The gold or metallic specks are iron pyrite, sometimes called fool's gold, which forms naturally within the rock as it develops. These flecks are considered attractive and are a sign of genuine lapis, though very dense or black pyrite can detract from the quality.
- What does lapis lazuli symbolise?
- Lapis has been linked with truth, wisdom, royalty and the heavens across many cultures and thousands of years. In ancient Egypt it was associated with the sky and the gods, and it remains a stone people wear for its association with clarity and inner knowledge.
- Is lapis lazuli a precious or semi-precious stone?
- It is classed as semi-precious, though that distinction is more historical than meaningful. High-quality lapis with an even, deep blue and minimal calcite veining can be quite valuable, and it has been treasured as much as many precious gems throughout history.
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