Pronunciation: [lˈapiz] (IPA) 
The word "lapis" is spelled with the letter "L," followed by the vowel sound /æ/ pronounced as in the word "cat," and a "P" followed by a long "i" sound /iː/ as in "bee." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈlæpɪs/, with emphasis on the first syllable. "Lapis" is a Latin term for "stone," commonly used in English to refer to a bright blue pigment, often used in painting or other forms of art.
Lapis is a noun that refers to a deep blue semi-precious stone composed mainly of lazurite, and may also contain calcite, pyrite, and other minerals. It has been highly valued for its rich, intense blue color for thousands of years and has been used extensively in jewelry, decorative objects, and artistic creations.
The word "lapis" is derived from the Latin term "lapis lazuli," meaning "stone of Lazuli," where Lazuli refers to an ancient region in present-day Afghanistan, from where the stone was originally sourced. Lapis is often found in association with other minerals, and its intense blue hue is attributed to the presence of the mineral lazurite.
Lapis has a long and revered history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerians, and Romans, where it was considered a symbol of royalty, power, and spirituality. It was often used to create elaborate ornaments, statues, and exquisite jewelry for kings, pharaohs, and other high-ranking individuals.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, lapis is also believed to possess metaphysical and healing properties. It is associated with qualities such as wisdom, truth, clarity, and inner peace. Many believe that lapis has the power to enhance communication, stimulate intellectual growth, and foster spiritual enlightenment.
Today, lapis continues to be highly regarded in the world of gemstones and is frequently used in various forms of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. It remains a symbol of beauty, luxury, and refinement, admired for its distinctive deep blue color and historical significance.
A stone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A general term for any kind of stone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lapis" comes from Latin, where it means "stone" or "rock". It is believed to have been borrowed from an earlier language, possibly Etruscan, as it has Indo-European roots. In Latin, "lapis" referred to any type of stone or rock, but it is particularly associated with the blue stone known as lapis lazuli, which was highly valued for its deep blue color and was commonly used in ancient jewelry and artworks. The word "lapis" has been retained in modern scientific terminology, such as "lapidary" (the art of cutting and polishing stones) and "laparoscopy" (a medical procedure involving the use of a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions).
