Lapis lazuli

Origin: Kokcha River Valley, Badakhshan Province, Northeast Afghanistan
Mohs Hardness: 5-6  

Lapis lazuli is a deep blue, metamorphic rock aggregate of several minerals, including lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It has been used in antiquity as a semi-precious, ornamental stone dating back as far as 7,570 BC from the Indus Valley civilization. It is known as the “gemstone of the kings” and was used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun.  

Metaphysically, Lapis lazuli represents royalty, strength, courage, wisdom, friendship, and truth.