What is lapidary definition?

Lapidary refers to the process of cutting, shaping, and polishing precious and semi-precious stones for use in jewelry or decorative objects. The term comes from the Latin word "lapis," which means stone. Lapidaries use a variety of tools and techniques, including sawing, grinding, sanding, and polishing, to transform raw gemstones into beautiful, finished pieces. The lapidary trade has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has been practiced in cultures all over the world. Today, lapidary is still a popular art and hobby, with many people creating their own jewelry and other decorative items using lapidary techniques and tools.