or Lapis Lazuli, in natural history, one of the ores of copper, the basis of which is a crystalline matter, coloured with that elegant blue which copper gives to all alkaline liquors. The lapis lazuli is found in many parts of the world; but that of Asia and Africa is much superior both in beauty and real value to the Bohemian and German kind, which is too often sold in its place.

Its great use, beside the polishing as a gem, is the making the fine blue used in painting called ultramarine, which is obtained from it by calcination.