Discover the history and properties of lapis lazuli, a stunning blue rock prized for its color and gemstone uses.

What if you step upon a stone that catches your attention with its rich, deep blue hue, yet its value matches that of gold.

“He was just completely manic, hoarding stuff in the mines, searching for lapis lazuli because he liked the way it sounds,” Ólafsson told Variety. “He kept saying it: ‘Can I talk about ...