As can be expected for such a unique stone, lapis lazuli was held in high regard by the ancient cultures of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia to name a few. It is believed that many historical references to sapphires are more likely references to lapis lazuli.
One of the main sources of lapis lazuli is in former Bactria, now Afghanistan. Nestled within the arid mountains of this deserted region are lapis lazuli deposits. There are few signs of life in this area, with no vegetation, little animal activity, and sheer mountains reaching more than 16,000 feet in height. Despite these harsh conditions, humans have made their way to the Badakhshan province using donkeys to carry their equipment for more than 2,000 years for the sole purpose of mining lapis lazuli. Even today, this area is still a prominent producer of the rich blue gemstone, making it the oldest known gemstone source in the world.
Since the inception of its use, lapis lazuli has been a popular component of jewellery. Common gemstone cuts for lapis lazuli include cabochon cuts as well as rough cuts, allowing the stone's natural beauty to show through without the need for a faceted finish. In fact, the gemstone is so dense with colour that faceted cuts are rarely used, as light cannot enter the stone. Because of its easily-mouldable texture, lapis lazuli has also been a popular carving material since its discovery.
Many Ancient Egyptian excavation digs have unearthed carved lapis lazuli in the form of scarab beetles, birds, and other common Egyptian symbols. In Anatolian discoveries, carved lapis lazuli has taken the form of various fertility amulets. Throughout Ancient Roman excavations, lapis lazuli has been a common feature in everything from signet rings to decorative pieces like jugs and plates.
During the Renaissance period, artists like Michelangelo crushed lapis lazuli into a fine powder, using its rich pigmentation to paint blue scenes like the sky and the sea. The vibrancy of lapis lazuli made it the perfect ingredient for such a bold colour in a time where creating paint pigments was a very difficult and expensive process.