Lapis, or Lapis Lazuli, is a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. During the Renaissance, Lapis was ground and processed to make the pigment ultramarine for use in frescoes and oil painting. It is not a mineral, but a combination of minerals, including lazurite, calcite, sodalite and pyrite. Note: Our 8-inch line of Lapis has had its color enhanced by dyeing.