Some Knowledge

Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue stone with gold pyrite inclusions that has been prized for 7000 years.  The only significant deposits of this stone are in northeastern Afghanistan.  The Sar-E-Sang mine of Jurm, Afghanistan is the main source for this stone, since the other mines in the area have played out.

Lapis Lazuli has been used for charms and amulets since ancient times.  The stone is also carved into scarabs and figurines.  It is commonly worn in necklaces and rings.  Ground and purified Lapis Lazuli was formerly used as a pigment in painting called ultramarine.

Some people believe that Lapis Lazuli possesses mystical or magical properties.  In ancient times, gems were often worn for their magical effects.  This stone is said to augment the third eye chakra and amplify the magical abilities of the wearer.

Much of the lower grade Lapis Lazuli is dyed to color the inclusions of white marble that sometimes vein this stone.  Higher quality Lapis Lazuli can sell for over $100 a carat.  It is not surprising that a rare deep blue stone would sell for such a high price considering it has to be transported out of the mines on horseback.

Here is an interesting site about Lapis Lazuli that tells the story about how this stone is mined and some of the history.