Lapis is a deep blue colored stone that has a composition similar to turquoise. Lapis is a stone, rather than a mineral. Its is also called lapis lazuli. Lapis has been used since ancient times. Composed of mainly three minerals (lazurite, calcite and pyrite), it is lazurite the one responsible for producing its bright-deep-royal blue color. It may contain beautiful golden flecks of pyrite or pure white specks of calcite. This gem was treasured by many ancient civilizations.