Lapis Lazuli
/ˈlɑːpɪs ˈlæzjʊli/noun
A deep blue semi-precious stone prized for its vivid color and use in jewelry, art, and pigment.
Did you know?The word entered Europe through Arabic and Persian trade routes, and the same blue stone was ground into ultramarine pigment, one of the most expensive colors in medieval art.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Persian
Persian
lāžvard
“A blue stone or blue color, especially lapis lazuli”
Arabic
Ar
lāzaward
“Lapis lazuli; also a deep blue color”
Medieval Latin
Latin
lapis lazuli
“Blue stone”
Old French
OF
lazuli
“Lapis lazuli”
Modern English
English
lapis lazuli
“A deep blue semi-precious stone”
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