Lapidarium

A fascinating history of stones and the surprising ways they have shaped, influenced and inspired us, presented in a beautiful volume. In Lapidarium, Hettie Judah explores the unexpected stories behind sixty stones that have shaped human history, from cave paintings to the digital age. The book charts a long arc—from ancient Babylonians composing lapidaries to modern curiosities—revealing how rocks and minerals have entered art, science, philosophy and daily life. This richly illustrated hardcover, 336 pages, is a portrait of our world created from the contents of the ground, and has been lauded as a “delightful storybook” and a “cabinet of curiosities” through its engaging narrative and wide cultural scope.

From hematite used in early cave art to moldavite that sparked conversations online, Lapidarium travels from cherished objects to infamous episodes. It evokes the stolen sandstone of Scone and the enigmatic acoustics of Stonehenge, while tracing the influence of crystals, compasses and other minerals on exploration, science and imagination. The book recounts 3,000 years of lapidary traditions, explains why alchemists chased cinnabar and sulfur, and unravels stories such as the tuff statues of Rapa Nui, the Amber Room of Frederick the Great, and the scandal of Flint Jack. It also touches on celestial rocks, coral myths from a Greek monster, and how obsidian inspired a modern computer game—stone by stone, story by story.

Features

• Sixty stones that shaped human history and culture
• Hematite in ancient cave paintings and tools
• Moldavite’s modern TikTok sensation
• The stolen sandstone of Scone and its mystery
• Acoustic wonders of Stonehenge and other sites
• Amber Room, Flint Jack and related intrigues