This semi-precious stones’ name is derived from the Latin word for stone, lapis, and the Persian word for blue, lazhuward.  Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock with golden flecks.  It is made up of Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite and Pyrite. It has been mined as early as the 7^th millennium BC.  Lapis beads have been found at Neolithic burial sites as well as on the burial mask of Tutankhamun.  Toward the end of the Middle Ages, lapis was ground into a fine powder and used as a pigment called ultramarine.  The deep, almost celestial blue has been the symbol of honor and royalty and is the universal symbol of wisdom and truth.  It is also one of Septembers’ birthstones.