Mysterious blue pigment in medieval woman's teeth gives scientists 'bombshell' clue
By Jennifer Earl
Published January 10, 2019
Fox News
Vivid flecks of blue discovered in the teeth of a 1,000-year-old skeleton from the medieval era have given scientists a rare glimpse into an ancient woman's past.
The discovery is huge for scientists, who were able to identify the blue particles as lapis lazuli — a deep blue, semi-precious rock that was highly prized at the time for its symbolization of royalty and godliness. It's possible the stone was even once placed "in the original breastplate of the High Priest," according to Crystal Vaults. The particles were occasionally ground up and used as a pigment.
In 11th- and early 12th century Europe, lapis lazuli was traded as a luxury good and used in pricey artwork or literary works.
https://www.foxnews.com/science/mysterious-blue-pigment-in-medieval-womans-teeth-gives-scientists-bombshell-clue
