Denim Lapis Beads

These denim lapis beads are a combination of bright royal blue and grayish white and are dotted with small but noticeable flecks of golden pyrite. Lapis was used as a gemstone for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians. The mask of Tutankhamun, for example, is covered with lapis lazuli inlays. The Egyptians also used powdered lapis as a cosmetic (Cleopatra’s eyeshadow!), as a pigment for painting, and as a medicine.

The mineral lazurite is the main component of lapis (also known as lapis lazuli) and accounts for the stone’s intense blue color, although lapis also contains pyrite and calcite, and usually some sodalite and hauyne as well. Denim lapis is the trade name for specimens of lapis that have a paler blue color due to a high concentration of white calcite.

Lapis is associated with the third eye chakra and is said to promote insight. It is thought to bring out the regal and noble nature of its wearers.