The Royal History of Lapis Lazuli: A Gemstone Revered by Pharaohs and Kings

Deep blue and full of history, lapis lazuli gemstone has been captivating cultures for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and even the later civilizations of Europe resorted to reverence for this gem, symbolizing power, spirituality, and the divine.

In this blog, we will look into the royal history of lapis lazuli; a gemstone revered by pharaohs and kings. We will explore its meaning in ancient societies, and its great legacy. Here we go.

Lapis Lazuli Gems in Ancient Egypt

Lapis lazuli Stone is an essential stone used across many cultures. Lapis lazuli reached Egypt and Mesopotamia, where it was valued for its riches.

In Egypt, the lapis lazuli gemstone symbolized royalty and the bond with gods. This stone was extensively used in jewelry, amulets, and after-death rituals. It was considered to have protection properties and was kept within the tombs of kings to protect their afterlife journey.

The stone had much value in ancient Egyptian society; it was valued more than gold. One of the famous items that consist of lapis lazuli is the burial mask of Tutankhamun.

It consists of details of the most beautiful stone, really heavily interfused with other precious materials like turquoise stone and Moonstone. These are such lavish ornaments that were believed to keep him safe after death.

Cosmetic Use of Lapis Lazuli Gemstone

Besides jewelry, the beauty of lapis lazuli lay in other areas. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was crushed into powder for an excellent eye makeup color that was used for cosmetics purposes.

Read also: Mystical Moonstone: Interesting Facts.

It was said that legendary Egyptian Queen Cleopatra applied powdered lapis lazuli on her eyes as eyeshadow, believing this helped her to maintain beauty and related her to the gods.

Symbolism and Spirituality Related to Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is associated with heaven, embodying truth and wisdom. The people of Egypt believed that enlightenment, coupled with spiritual growth, could be achieved through wearing or possessing lapis lazuli gems.

Lapis Lazuli in Other Civilizations

While perhaps no civilization so commonly uses lapis lazuli as ancient Egypt, many other ancient peoples also revered this stone. In Mesopotamia, lapis lazuli was used for Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian seals and jewelry.

It even appears in epic works such as Gilgamesh, which underlines its place in the civilization. Lapis lazuli was not only used for self-adornment but also in architecture.

In temples and statues, it was used to show divine authority. For example, the Sumerian kings decorated their statues with lapis lazuli inlays to show strength and their link with the gods.

Lapis Lazuli Gemstone in the Renaissance Revival

The legacy of the ancient jewel lapis lazuli moved into the Renaissance, where artists started applying it as an ultramarine color. This bright, blazing blue pigment was the most popular and was used for painting skies and seas because it was so rich and deep.

One could think of so many famous works by masters like Michelangelo using ultramarine to bring radiance to their frescoes.

Of course, people throughout the centuries never got tired of their fascination for lapis lazuli, and even in modern days, its existence marks it as something valuable for the elite in Europe, imbued with preciousness and beauty.

Significance of Lapis Lazuli Gems Now

Lapis lazuli today is admired for being not only aesthetically beautiful but also as a metaphysical gem. People believe that it helps one in having inner peace, the recognition of the self, and emotional healing. So, it still serves as an attraction for jewelry and spiritual practices.

Read also: Lapis Lazuli in Art and Philosophy: A Symbol of Wisdom.

Conclusion

Beauty aside, there is a lot of history attached to lapis lazuli as one gem. It was used in ancient Egypt by the pharaohs and even as an art pigment in the Renaissance days.

As a beauty stone, pure blue color makes an imperishable mark on human culture. Whether for beauty or historical worth, lapis lazuli remains a treasure that stood the test of time as well as inspiring awe through the ages.

This is all about the royal history of lapis lazuli; a gemstone revered by pharaohs and kings.