Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://gographicsoutput.com/video/plkWoBTeVs4.html Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter How The Worlds Most Expensive Color Is Made [t4YQBbpyPkP] Health Updated on August 05, 2026 EDT — Published on August 05, 2026 EDT 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? 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Creating Ultramarine Blue 02:00 - The Cennini Method 06:37 - Inside Lapis Lazuli Mines 08:15 - History of Lapis Lazuli Pigment 09:06 - Synthetic Options 11:11 - Credits Also read "I use plastic plates and homemade gifts during the holidays, and prioritize giving back": ------------------------------------------------------ #ultramarines #trueblue #lapislazuli #semipreciousstones #colors #cennini #colormaking #pigments #stonemining #SoExpensive MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS: 19 Of The World's Most Expensive Resources Why Japan Can't Keep Up With America's Matcha Obsession Why Airport Food Is So Expensive Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: Business Insider on Facebook: Business Insider on Instagram: Business Insider on Twitter: Business Insider on Snapchat: Business Insider on TikTok: How The World's Most Expensive Color Is Made | So Expensive | Business Insider BSle7Eo6wNG kHBYgxbI906 WKoDHcHQaD3 ZxXp967sSEK
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? 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Creating Ultramarine Blue 02:00 - The Cennini Method 06:37 - Inside Lapis Lazuli Mines 08:15 - History of Lapis Lazuli Pigment 09:06 - Synthetic Options 11:11 - Credits Also read "I use plastic plates and homemade gifts during the holidays, and prioritize giving back": ------------------------------------------------------ #ultramarines #trueblue #lapislazuli #semipreciousstones #colors #cennini #colormaking #pigments #stonemining #SoExpensive MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS: 19 Of The World's Most Expensive Resources Why Japan Can't Keep Up With America's Matcha Obsession Why Airport Food Is So Expensive Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: Business Insider on Facebook: Business Insider on Instagram: Business Insider on Twitter: Business Insider on Snapchat: Business Insider on TikTok: How The World's Most Expensive Color Is Made | So Expensive | Business Insider BSle7Eo6wNG kHBYgxbI906 WKoDHcHQaD3 ZxXp967sSEK