DISCOVER LIFE'S PRECIOUS GEMS!

Lapis Lazuli (AKA Lapis) is a semi precious blue stone that has been around at least 5000 years.  Lapis was considered sacred in ancient civilizations and was worn by the royalty and often buried along with them. Technically, Lapis Lazuli is a rock and NOT a mineral.  This is because rocks are defined as ANY composition of 2 or more minerals and Lapis can be a composition of many minerals (see next paragraph). Minerals, on the other hand, are substances which always have the same chemical make-up.  ie: Quartz always contains silicon dioxide and oxygen.

Lapis Lazuli is composed of 25% – 40%  Lazurite (a combination of silicon, sodium, aluminum, oxygen, sulfur and chlorine) along with calcite (white), sodalite (blue), pyrite (gold) and sometimes diopside (green). Lesser amounts of mica, hornblende, huaynite, noselite and augite can also be found in Lapis. Since sodalite is often found in lapis, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the two blue stones.  Most of the time, the gold flecks (pyrite) make Lapis Lazuli easily recognizable.

The finest specimens of this rare and valued stone are solid blue with little or no veined mineral inclusions. Its beautiful coloring is due to a blue pigment called ultramarine which comes primarily from aluminum (in the sodalite and lazurite) and the sodium, silicon and sulfur found in lazurite. When polished, its intense blue sheen can be breathtaking.  In my opinion, lapis in its natural form is also magnificent.

This “stone of the gods,” revered by the pharaohs, had and continues to have many applications.  Many years ago, its powdered form was used for makeup and paint. Lapis eye powder was used for protection against evil. It is believed that Cleopatra wore eye shadow made from lapis. That makes sense since the well known cosmetic companies weren’t around back then. Lapis has been used in creating  jewelry, collars, amulets and talismans. This cherished stone has also played an important part in the artistic realm including the making of vases, carvings, ornaments, mosaics, cylinder seals and boxes.

This treasured stone’s name has its roots in many languages. Lapis means “stone” in Latin.  In Spanish, lapiz means “pencil,” however not sure of that correlation.  “Azur” comes from the Persian word “Lazhward,” referring to an area in the Badakhshan province in northeast Afghanistan where lapis lazuli was mined nearly 6000 years ago. In English, azure is often synonymous with “heaven” referring to a bright blue sky on a beautiful clear day. Other derivatives include “azul” (in Spanish and Portuguese), “azur” (French), “azzurro” (Italian) and “lazur” (Polish) which all mean blue.

Lapis Lazuli, which is a December stone, is a stone for Sagittarians (many of whom have birthdays in December.)  This blue stone (like other dark blue stones) corresponds to the throat chakra and helps with clear “communication.”  When someone picks up this stone and starts admiring it I take notice. Sometimes, I blurt out “Are you a Sagittarian?” Often times, they look at me in amazement.  I smile and say, “That is your stone!  It helps to keep your “boca” in check.  We both laugh. At that point, it’s almost a given that the lapis is included in their purchase. Lapis Lazuli is good for Sagittarians for another reason.  It can help slow down their hyper and adventurous nature when held in their hand for several minutes.

Since Lapis Lazuli is a stone of varying minerals, its properties can also be diverse. Like other blue stones, lapis lazuli bestows serenity while it calms and soothes our stressed nerves. Lapis promotes objectivity, new ideas, mental clarity and concentration particularly when preparing for exams. This blue beauty increases our intuition and helps us access our subconscious.  It provides us with inner wisdom, self awareness and self confidence. Lapis encourages friendship, bonding, idealism, creativity, vitality and taking charge of our life. It can balance our body and spirit.

OK, Sagittarius…  Your stone teaches eloquent and convincing self expression, the importance of the spoken word and speaking the inner truth.

Physically, Lapis is beneficial for headaches, the thyroid gland, lowering blood pressure, easing depression and boosting the immune system.

In addition to the throat chakra, this regal stone is also associated with the third eye and crown chakras.

Our lapis tumbles are ($4), palm stones ($12) and lapis spheres ($12, $40 and $46).

Here’s a link to our store.

http://www.crystalsandgemstones.com/store/a/lapis-lazuli/