Until synthectic ultramarine was invented in 1826, lapis lazuli was grinded to manufacture ultamarine, making it very expensive. During the Renaissance an ounce of the pigment was as costly as the same amount of gold. At the time, the colour symbolised holiness and humility and was often used to paint robes of the Virgin Mary. Today, ultramarine is rather cheap. In addition to the most common blue, there is also pink and violet ultramarine.