Lapis Lazuli - The Luxury PigmentWhen making blue pigment or colorant, medieval copyists would save

Lapis Lazuli - The Luxury Pigment

When making blue pigment or colorant, medieval copyists would save money and time by using minerals native to them. Some of these were copper carbonite - which could also provide greenish tints - and woad, a plant with extractable blue color. 

Copyists typically reserved lapis lazuli, pictured above, for more luxury manuscripts. Imported from Afghanistan, the mineral produced a rich, vibrant shade of blue known today as ultramarine.

Location: Afghanistan

Usage Rights: Public domain