High above our heads were great rocks of sapphire, deepening to lapis-lazuli at the base, with here and there a streak of malachite.

In other mountains of the same province, the best lapis lazuli in the world is found, from which azure or ultramarine is made.

I will give thee a hundred coins of pure gold and eight lapis lazuli of great brightness set with gold, and one chariot furnished with a golden flag-staff and drawn by excellent steeds, and also ten elephants of infuriate prowess.