Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock prized for its intense blue color, speckled with golden pyrite (fool's gold) and white calcite, forming a "starry night" look. A centuries-old gemstone from ancient Afghanistan and other regions, it's used in jewelry (cabochons, beads, inlays) and carvings, valued for its rich hue, hardness (5-6 Mohs), and historical significance as the source of ultramarine pigment. Lapis Lazuli is believed to offer benefits like enhanced communication, wisdom, and inner peace by boosting self-awareness, relieving stress, and stimulating the mind.