Lapis lazuli is primarily found in a few select locations around the world.
The most significant deposits of lapis lazuli are found in northern Afghanistan. The Sar-e-Sang mines in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan have produced lapis lazuli for over 6,000 years, making it the source of the ancient world's lapis. Archaeological evidence indicates the mines were producing lapis lazuli as early as the 7th millennium BCE. For thousands of years, lapis lazuli was transported along trade routes through Afghanistan, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley in the form of beads, amulets, inlays, and carvings. The vibrant blue stone was highly valued in these ancient civilizations.
In addition to Afghanistan, lapis lazuli deposits have been found in Pakistan, Chile, Russia, Canada, and even California and Colorado in the United States. The Lake Baikal region of Siberia in Russia contains deposits that have been mined for lapis lazuli. Small amounts of lapis lazuli have been found in the Andes Mountains in Chile. In North America, lapis lazuli is found in California's Death Valley and some locations in Colorado. However, the lapis found in these areas is often of lower quality.
While small traces of lapis lazuli have been found in many locations, the prized, jewelry-grade, deep blue lapis continues to come primarily from Afghanistan. The Sar-e-Sang mines are still active today and produce over 95% of the world's lapis lazuli. Factors like the size of the deposits and the intensity of the blue color make the Afghan lapis lazuli uniquely valuable. The finest lapis specimens are a saturated royal blue with no visible pyrite inclusions.
Lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan is exported around the world to be used in jewelry and carvings. It is crafted into beads, cabochons, inlaid boxes, masks, and ornamental objects. Lapis lazuli is also ground down into a pigment called ultramarine, which has been used by painters for centuries. Its brilliant blue color has never faded in popularity. From ancient times to today, the deep blue rocks of lapis lazuli have reflected humanity's enduring appreciation for this colorful and mesmerizing stone.
