Lapis Lazuli was among the first gemstones know to be used for jewelry. Lapis Lazuli beads are named from `lapis`, the Latin word for stone, and `azula`, which comes from the Arabic and means blue. Lapis lazuli is an opaque gem with golden pyrite inclusions and whitish marble veins. The pyrite is caused by iron and the blue color comes from the sulphur content of the lazurite and may range from pure ultramarine to a lighter blue. The best stones still come from Hindu Kush, Afghanistan. Deposits are found in Russia, the Chilean Andes, Italy, Mongolia, the USA, Canada, Myanmar and Pakistan.