The article mentions a mine in Afghanistan as a source of the best Lapis Lazuli, but I believe in ancient Egypt (and probably the Classical era), it was the _on

The article mentions a mine in Afghanistan as a source of the best Lapis Lazuli, but I believe in ancient Egypt (and probably the Classical era), it was the _only_ source. There are some really interesting documentaries about the mine, and what impresses me most is just how remote and dangerous the trek is. Mining there 4000-5000 years ago with primitive tools, and the journey required to get the Lapis from Afghanistan all the way to Egypt is really very remarkable. It's a difficult journey today even with Range Rovers. Related to the OP, but not Lapis mining: an interesting related discovery (2009): https://chemistry.oregonstate.edu/content/story-yinmn-blue https://chemistry.oregonstate.edu/content/story-yinmn-blue