Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful blue stone
That has been prized since ancient times
It contains minerals like lazurite and pyrite
That give it a deep color and a golden shine

Some call it indigo, royal, midnight or marine
But its hue is slightly greenish or violetish too
It can range from dark to light, from pure to mottled
But its best form is a solid, intense, slightly violetish blue

Lapis lazuli is a gem of history and art
It has been used for sculptures, pigments and jewelry
It can be found in many places around the world
But the finest quality comes from Afghanistan's mines.