Why was lapis lazuli from Badakhshan valuable in Bronze Age trade?

Lapis lazuli from the mines of Badakhshan was a highly prized commodity during the Bronze Age due to its striking aesthetic qualities. The stone is valued for its deep blue color, which is derived from the mineral lazurite.1

Beyond its intense hue, the stone often contains small crystals of pyrite, which create gold-like flecks that have historically been compared to stars in the night sky. This unique appearance made it a sought-after luxury material for trade between the Afghan region and major civilizations of the era, including Mesopotamia and Egypt. Its status as a primary export from the region underscores its significance in the long-distance trade networks that connected these ancient societies.12