Lapislázuli

Its name comes from the composition of the Latin “lapis” and the Persian “lazhward” which mean blue. Lapis lazuli is a decorative rock, with which you can carve figures and make cabochons for jewelry.

In many cultures, lapis lazuli gems symbolized royalty and great wealth. They also say that it is a stone that helps release stress and brings peace to whoever wears it.  

In Chile it is very common to see jewelry and accessories made of this beautiful material. 

A little history ...

This material was probably discovered in prehistoric times in America by the Diaguitas and other pre-Columbian cultures. This theory is confirmed since in 1921 a stone in the shape of an arrowhead made of lapis lazuli was discovered near the site.  

Did you know that Chile is the only industrial source of lapis lazuli in the world? That's right, it is the Las Flores Mining located in Los Andes. The idea of ​​industrially exploiting the lapis lazuli deposit in Chile materialized in 1989, when Herman Warmbold decided to buy the Las Flores de Los Andes mine. Before that, extraction in Chile was quite artisanal. Currently, about 400 tons of mineral are extracted each year, most of which are sold to the external market.  

Where to buy lapis lazuli accessories?

You will find it at different craft fairs and in specialized stores. The diversity of accessories and souvenirs that are made with this raw material is enormous, ranging from earrings, bracelets and necklaces, to pencils, corkscrews, keychains and ornaments with lapis lazuli applications, ideal to bring as gifts. 

Some stores where you can find these accessories are: Lapis lazuli (www.lapis.cl) and in Blue Stone (www.bluestone.cl). 

You can find prices from $20.000 Chilean pesos (25 dollars). 

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