This deep azure blue stone that comes from the mineral lazurite has a hardness of 5.5. It is a desired stone that comes mainly from Afghanistan, Siberia, and Chile. It was ground and used as eyeliner by the royalty of ancient civilizations. For ancient chemists, this stone was said to hold great mystical qualities. It was believed so powerful that only the royal family, the Pharaohs and the Priests of the great Egyptian civilization, were allowed to wear it. Legend holds that the wearer will have strength, self-assurance (confidence), and strong spiritual links. The lapis carvings, jewelry, and adornments of the Egyptian tombs were believed to help the dead on their journey to the afterlife. We invite you to view both ladies' and gentlemen's rings with lapis and other intriguing carvings from the orient. All can be seen at Ralph Miller Jewelers in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania.
