Tutankhamun's Gold and Lapis
A tomb gives up the most famous mask in the world.
Tutankhamun's tomb is found in 1922, and on 28 October 1925 the innermost coffin is opened to reveal his gold mask, unseen for about 3,250 years. It weighs 10.23 kg and is inlaid with lapis lazuli around the eyes and brows, quartz, obsidian, carnelian, amazonite and turquoise.
Open in interactive timeline →Key Numbers
- Tomb Found
- 1922
- Mask Revealed
- 28 Oct 1925
- Weight
- 10.23 kg (22.6 lb)
- Unseen For
- About 3,250 years
Verified Facts
- Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in 1922. On 28 October 1925 the team opened the innermost of three coffins and revealed the gold mask, seen for the first time in about 3,250 years.
- The mask weighs 10.23 kg (22.6 lb).
- It is inlaid with coloured glass and gemstones: lapis lazuli around the eyes and eyebrows, quartz for the eyes, obsidian for the pupils, and carnelian, amazonite, turquoise and faience.
- It is on public display at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth:
Reality: It is gold inlaid with coloured glass and gemstones: lapis lazuli around the eyes and brows, quartz eyes, obsidian pupils, plus carnelian, amazonite, turquoise and faience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tutankhamun's mask discovered?
The tomb was found in 1922, and the mask was revealed on 28 October 1925, when the innermost of three coffins was opened.
How heavy is Tutankhamun's mask?
10.23 kg (22.6 lb).
What gemstones are in Tutankhamun's mask?
Lapis lazuli (around the eyes and eyebrows), quartz (the eyes), obsidian (the pupils), carnelian, amazonite and turquoise, with coloured glass and faience.
Where is Tutankhamun's mask today?
On public display at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Sources & Further Reading
Cite This Page
AskHistoryAI. “Tutankhamun's Gold and Lapis.” AskHistoryAI — Interactive Timeline of Everything. Updated 2026-10-08. https://askhistoryai.com/event/sv-tutankhamun-mask/
Every fact on this page is checked against the published fact ledger and methodology; sources are listed above.