Lapis lazuli came mostly from the eastern mines of what is now Afghanistan, and its rarity made it extremely desirable.
The kings and queens of Mesopotamia had their cylinder seals carved of lapis; the Egyptians made their most precious amulets from it. So eager were the Egyptians for objects made from lapis that they created an imitation paste from the ground stone. During the Renaissance, the rich ultramarine of the great master paintings was also made from powdered lapis, brought overland on arduous journeys that took years. Besides its appealing loveliness, the gem is thought to have curative powers and is used as a remedy for fever, gall- stones, sleeplessness and above all, melancholy.