A blue metamorphic rock, well-known for its deep hue, discovered in Afghanistan 6000 years ago that has been used in adornment and jewellery for generations. Though lapis can vary in hue from greenish blue to violet, the most precious versions are highly saturated with few calcite inclusions (which appear white) and minimal gold pyrite flecks. Historically, the stone has also been ground up to be used as an ultramarine pigment.