Lapis Lazuli explores the captivating story of this gemstone, bridging Earth science, art history, and archaeology to reveal its enduring allure. It delves into how specific metamorphic processes, like contact metamorphism, create its intense blue hue, a color that has adorned royalty and illuminated masterpieces for millennia. The book uniquely combines geological data with historical narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the stone's significance.
Readers will discover how lapis lazuli's journey spans from ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia, where it was prized for royal regalia and religious artifacts, to its contemporary use in jewelry and fine art. The book examines the geological origins of lapis lazuli, explores its historical significance across different cultures, and investigates its modern applications. It progresses from examining the Earth's formative processes to tracing the stone's historical impact and discussing current ethical considerations.
