Here's how the world's most expensive color is made

"Ultramarine blue, or "true blue," was once more valuable than gold. In 1824, a synthetic version called French ultramarine made the color more accessible. But ultramarine blue made from real lapis lazuli can sell for over $60 an ounce today."

"Lapis lazuli is a bright blue semiprecious stone mined primarily in Afghanistan. When Business Insider visited the world's largest lapis lazuli mine there, its future was up in the air. So, how is the world's most expensive color made, and why are people paying for it?"

Ultramarine blue, known as 'true blue,' was historically more valuable than gold when produced from lapis lazuli. A synthetic variant called French ultramarine emerged in 1824 and broadened access to the color. Natural ultramarine pigment is derived by processing lapis lazuli, a bright blue semiprecious stone mined primarily in Afghanistan. Genuine lapis-derived pigment can still sell for over $60 an ounce. The largest lapis mine faces an uncertain future, which could affect supply and price. Buyers value natural ultramarine for its rarity, traditional prestige, and distinctive color qualities compared with synthetic alternatives.

Read at Business Insider