Lapis lazuli has a long history of being mined in West Asia, particularly in countries located in the Middle East, such as Afghanistan and Iran. Lapis lazuli has been mined for thousands of years, primarily in a few specific regions around the world. These are the primary sources of Lapis lazuli, but smaller deposits have also been found in other countries, including Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Angola, Canada, and Italy. Lapis lazuli is a highly sought-after gemstone, and the demand often exceeds the supply from these mines, leading to the use of synthetic alternatives or lower-quality materials in the market. 

The geological conditions in West asia are favorable for the formation of Lapis lazuli deposits. Lapis lazuli is formed in metamorphic rocks, and the specific combination of Minerals and geological processes required for its formation is found in certain areas of West Asia. West Asia has a rich history of mining and trade, dating back thousands of years. The mining of Lapis lazuli in this region can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Persians. The knowledge and expertise in mining and extracting Lapis lazuli have been passed down through generations, contributing to the development of high-quality mines.

The combination of geological factors, mining traditions, availability of raw materials, craftsmanship, and cultural significance has made West Asia a prominent source of high-quality Lapis lazuli. These factors have established the region's reputation for producing some of the finest Lapis lazuli Gemstones in the world. There are very few Azure mines in the world, and today in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, the ‎Kokcheh Valley in the Kranomunjan region, as well as the western Hindu Kush mountains near ‎the source of the Amu Darya River, are among the best azure species in the world still extracted ‎by traditional methods. Afghan lapis lazuli has been considered since 6500 years ago during the ‎Achaemenid period, which was part of Iran.‎

• The Sar-e-Sang mine in the Badakhshan province of northeastern Afghanistan is one of the oldest and most famous sources of Lapis lazuli. Afghan Lapis lazuli is highly valued for its intense blue color and has been mined in this region for over 6,000 years.
• The Andean region of Chile, specifically the Ovalle and Coquimbo provinces, is another significant source of Lapis lazuli. The Chilean Lapis lazuli is known for its deep blue color and is often referred to as "Andean Lapis."
• The Lake Baikal region in Siberia, Russia, is also known for its Lapis lazuli deposits. Russian Lapis lazuli tends to have a lighter blue color and is often found in combination with other minerals such as pyrite and calcite.
• In the United States, Lapis lazuli is primarily mined in Colorado. The Stone Canyon mine near Delta, Colorado, is known for producing Lapis lazuli with a rich blue color and a high concentration of pyrite.

Pakistan in the Chagay Mountains at Bibi Dick, 35 km north of Dalbandian near the Afghan ‎border, Lake Baikal in western Russia where Lapis Lazuli contains Dolomite marble, the ‎Pamirs, South America, the Sinai Peninsula, and parts of Iran. ‎West Asia has abundant sources of the minerals necessary for Lapis lazuli formation. Lazurite, the primary constituent of Lapis lazuli, is found in significant quantities in the region, along with other minerals like pyrite and calcite, which often occur alongside Lapis lazuli. 

West Asia has a strong tradition of lapidary and Gemstone craftsmanship. The skilled artisans in this region have honed their skills in cutting, shaping, and polishing Lapis lazuli, resulting in the production of high-quality finished gemstones. Lapis lazuli holds cultural and historical significance in West asian civilizations. It has been used in jewelry, religious artifacts, and decorative objects for centuries. The demand for high-quality Lapis lazuli from local markets and international buyers has contributed to the development and maintenance of mines in the region.

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