noun
- a deep blue semi-precious stone, often containing flecks of gold-colored pyrite, used in jewelry and decoration
Usage: usually used in the phrase 'lapis lazuli'; valued since ancient times
Examples
- The ancient Egyptians prized lapis for use in amulets and ornaments.
- Her necklace featured a stunning lapis pendant set in silver.
- Lapis was one of the most expensive pigments available to Renaissance painters.
- The deep blue of lapis lazuli symbolized the night sky in medieval art.
- Artisans carved intricate designs into blocks of lapis for decorative inlays.