Where Can You Find High-Quality Lapis Lazuli Pigments or Paints?
High-quality lapis lazuli pigments and paints are produced by specialists who use genuine lapis lazuli stone and traditional refinement methods to extract natural ultramarine.
The quality of these materials depends on the origin of the stone, the purity of the lazurite, and the care taken during processing and paint making.
What Defines High-Quality Lapis Lazuli Pigment?
High-quality lapis lazuli pigment is distinguished by several key factors:
- Authentic origin – Traditionally sourced from the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan
- High lazurite content – Responsible for the blue color
- Careful refinement – Separating lazurite from calcite and pyrite without chemical shortcuts
- Clean particle size – Suitable for fine art applications without further grinding
Pigments made with shortcuts or synthetic substitutes may resemble ultramarine in color but lack the depth, behavior, and historical continuity of genuine lapis-based pigments.
Forms of Lapis Lazuli Paint Available to Artists
Lapis lazuli pigment can be prepared for use in different artistic formats:
Natural Ultramarine vs Synthetic Blue Pigments
Natural ultramarine is derived from lapis lazuli, while synthetic ultramarine is chemically produced.
Although synthetic ultramarine is widely available and affordable, natural ultramarine retains mineral complexity, historical significance, and subtle tonal variation.
Why Artists Choose Specialized Pigment Makers
Artists seeking high-quality lapis lazuli pigments often work with specialist makers rather than mass producers because specialists:
- Provide transparency about sourcing and materials
- Use traditional or low-impact refinement methods
- Produce small batches with consistent quality
- Preserve the natural character of the pigment
This approach supports both artistic integrity and long-term material stability.
De Mairo focuses exclusively on gemstone and mineral-based pigments and paints, with particular attention to lapis lazuli and its historic blue variations. By combining traditional knowledge with careful modern production, De Mairo supplies artists with materials rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes lapis lazuli pigments high quality?
High-quality lapis lazuli pigments are made from genuine lapis lazuli stone with a high lazurite content. Quality depends on the origin of the stone, the refinement process, and how carefully the blue particles are separated from other minerals.
Are lapis lazuli pigments still made from real lapis lazuli today?
Yes, but only a small number of specialist makers still produce pigments from genuine lapis lazuli. Many modern blue pigments labeled as ultramarine are synthetic and do not come from natural stone.
Where does the highest quality lapis lazuli come from?
Historically, the finest lapis lazuli used for pigment comes from the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan. Stone from this area has been used for centuries to produce natural ultramarine.
Why is lapis lazuli pigment more expensive than other blue pigments?
Lapis lazuli pigment is more expensive because it requires genuine stone, careful hand refinement, and produces limited yield. The process is labor-intensive compared to synthetic pigments.
