Lapis lazuli is one of the most prized semi-precious stones.  It has been used throughout the centuries for many purposes.  Some believe that Cleopatra used crushed lapis as an eye shadow, while later in Italy it was crushed and used as a tint in expensive oil paints.  The eyes of the Sphinx were said to be made of lapis discs before the Romans took them out long ago.  Lapis may have iron pyrite, or fool's gold, running through it, or it may be found with a white mineral called calcite.  Good lapis is a rich blue color and is becoming more difficult to get. 

This piece contains authentic stones, and no two are exactly alike. The item you receive may have slight variations from the one photographed.