Let us challenge him to bring us the sacred treasure, the shining gem, The lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, which is hidden in the mountains.
He sent his own messenger to Enmerkar with these words: 'If you are indeed favored by the gods, if your power is great, Then bring us the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, which is hidden in the mountains.
The lord of Aratta has demanded the sacred treasure, The shining gem, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, Which is hidden in the mountains.
I shall reveal the hidden treasure, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky.'"
He found the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, shining in the darkness.
Lines 71-75: "Enmerkar sent his messenger to the lord of Aratta, With the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, as a gift.
The sacred treasure, the lapis lazuli, the stone of the sky, is yours.'"
The city of Aratta is portrayed as being rich in precious materials such as gold, silver, and lapis lazuli, and it is known for its skilled craftsmen.
Lapis lazuli is found in limestone in the Kokcha River valley of Badakhshan province in north-eastern Afghanistan, where the Sar-i Sang mine deposits have been worked for more than 6,000 years.
It is described as having roots of bright lapis lazuli planted in the cosmic abyss and is depicted with cherub-like figures standing beside it, reminiscent of the guardians of Eden in the Bible.