Lapislazzuli

Lapislazzuli is a a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. The history of this gem dates back to the V millenium a.C., was widely used for making jewelry found in tombs in Pharaonic Egypt. Il Lapislazzuli began to be exported to Europe, where it was ground into powder and made into Ultramarine Blue. Ultramarine was used by some of the most important artists of the Renaissance, including Masaccio, Perugino and Titian.