Lapis lazuli is a semiprecious gemstone valued for its deep blue color. It is used to make beads, boxes and other decorative objects, or carved into figurines. The world’s best source for lapis lazuli is the Sar-e-sang mines, in northeastern Afghanistan. Here, a boy rests while carrying water to the lapis lazuli mine in the Hindu Kush mountain range, in an area sometimes called “Blue Mountain.” (ROBERT NICKELSBERG —GETTY IMAGES)