Lapis lazuli is a beautiful blue gemstone that has been prized for centuries. Its spellings can be a bit tricky to remember, but the word is pronounced "lah-pis lah-zoo-lee" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first word is spelled with an "a" instead of an "i" and the second word is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s." The final "i" in "lazuli" is also pronounced as a separate syllable, so the word has four syllables in total. With practice, the spelling of lapis lazuli can become easier to remember.
Lapis lazuli is a noun that refers to a deep blue semi-precious stone, often used in jewelry or as a pigment in painting. The term is derived from the Latin word "lapis" meaning stone and the Arabic word "azul" meaning blue. It is also commonly known as simply "lapis".
Lapis lazuli is typically characterized by its vibrant deep blue color, often with subtle specks of gold or white. It is composed mainly of the mineral lazurite, as well as other minerals such as calcite and pyrite. The stone is found in various parts of the world, with significant mining locations including Afghanistan, Russia, and Chile.
The history of lapis lazuli can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks. It has been highly prized for its rich color and was often used in the creation of jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects. Lapis lazuli was also ground into a fine powder to produce a pigment called "ultramarine", which became highly valued for its intense blue hue in the art world.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, lapis lazuli is often associated with spiritual and metaphysical properties. It is believed to promote enlightenment, inner peace, and enhance communication skills. Many ancient cultures considered it a stone of wisdom, truth, and protection.
Overall, lapis lazuli is a beautiful and significant stone with a rich history and cultural significance, valued for its stunning blue color and various applications in art, jewelry, and spiritual practices.
• A well-known mineral of an ultramarine or fine azure-blue colour, of various intensity.
• A mineral of a fine azure-blue colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lapis lazuli" has an interesting etymology. "Lapis" comes from Latin, which means "stone" or "rock". The word "lazuli" is derived from the Persian word "lazhward", which refers to the blue color of the stone. The Persian term itself might have originated from the Sanskrit word "rajavarta", meaning "royal blue".
Overall, the term "lapis lazuli" combines Latin and Persian elements to describe the blue stone. It reflects the historical trade routes and cultural exchanges through which the stone gained importance and popularity throughout different regions.