Natural Blue Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Round Shape Candle Holder Stand Irregular Shape For Home Decoration Manufacturer supplier Exporter Wholesaler from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Lapis Lazuli History Over 6, 500 years ago, lapis lazuli was one of the first opaque gemstones discovered. This deep blue stone has tiny mica specks all around it that like stars in the night sky. Its most well-known source is hidden deep in Afghanistan's contemporary highlands. This stone's two-part name comes from two different cultures: lapis is a Latin word meaning "stone, " while lazuli comes from the Persian word lazhuward, meaning "blue." It is not an element nor a mineral--it is a rock containing multiple minerals: lazurite, diopside, calcite, pyrite and more. According to biblical historians, references to "sapphire" in the Old Testament really refer to lapis lazuli since the sapphire gemstone was not well-known in the Middle East prior to the Roman Empire. This deep blue stone has been employed in the best works of art throughout history and was cherished by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Minoans, Chinese, Greeks, and even the Romans. King Tutankhamen's death mask, which has turquoise and carnelian inlaid in brilliant gold, is one of the most well-known applications for the stone. He was succeeded by Cleopatra, who was rumoured to have used pulverised lapis lazuli as eyeshadow. In 1271, Marco Polo described the lapis lazuli mines in his writings. The deep blue paint known as ultramarine, which was used to paint Mary of Nazareth's gowns on church walls and ceilings like those in the Sistine Chapel, was created in the mediaeval ages when artists crushed up lapis lazuli. Pre-Columbian societies in South America, including the Diguita and Inca, were engaged in trade, warfare, and lapis lazuli carving over deposits in what are now Argentina and Chile. Lapis Lazuli Metaphysical Properties While the ancient Egyptians interpreted it as a representation of the night sky, the Sumerians thought that the stone contained the essence of their gods. Lapis lazuli has been linked to power and bravery, monarchy and knowledge, intelligence and truth since the dawn of time. Lapis lazuli has been adorned with the hope that it will fend off evil since antiquity. To enhance vision, it was powdered and placed around the eyes in ancient Egypt. It is now thought by some to help with brow chakra balance (which influences vision and hearing). Headaches, anxiety, and skin issues are allegedly brought on by imbalances of the brow (or blue) chakra.