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| Lapis
Lazuli Healing Properties
The most prized Lapis Lazuli is royal blue, though it ranges in color
from very dark navy blue to sky blue to green, with characteristic glittering
golden specks. Sometimes called sapphire in ancient Egyptian references.
The name comes from the Latin lapis which means stone and Persian lajuward
also meaning stone. It is also known as Lazurite.
Mystical Properties: Lapis was a very important
gemstone in ancient Babylonia and Egypt, the deep blue color was often
associated with royalty and deity.
Interestingly enough, Christians, Egyptians and ancient Sumerians all
associated this stone with motherhood. To Christians, the stone is associated
with the Virgin Mary and Jesus. In Egypt, with Isis and her child Horus.
Hindus believe Lapis strung on gold wire and worn by children will protect
them from all manners of evils, even night frights.
Christian legend says God's throne is composed of Lapis, that the 5th
stone of Aaron's breastplate was Lapis.
Egyptians called the stone chesbet commonly fashioning scarabs from Lapis.
The Chief Justice of ancient Egypt wore a Lapis amulet carved with the
Goddess Mat (Goddess of Truth).
Thought to give wisdom
and fairness to its wearer and increase spiritual
love.
Lapis is associated with the 6th Chakra,
or 3rd Eye. It is considered an important gemstone in subduing an overactive
6th Chakra. Thought to stimulate creativity.
Catherine The Great of Russia, had all the walls in a ballroom decorated
in solid Lapis Lazuli.
Ancient Sumerians are said to believe that carrying a piece of Lapis,
meant carrying a piece of the Gods.
Crushed lapis used to comprise the ancient and very valuable pigment ultramarine.
Healing Properties: Most commonly thought to
bring peace and soothe depression.
Scientific Properties: Composed of Lazurite
(Sodium Calcium Aluminum Sulfate Silicate) with various other minerals,
such as pyrite.
Distinguished from Sodalite by its richer navy color and its invariable
association with Pyrite, whereas Lazulite and Sodalite (often would-be
imitators) are not associated with pyrite.
The most famous locale is in Badakshan, Afghanistan, which has been mined
for over 6000 years. Other locales include Russia and Colorado in the
U.S. Hardness: 5.0 - 5.5 on the Moh's
Hardness Scale
Buyer Beware! True Lapis Lazuli is relatively rare and expensive--but
also highly prized. So it has become one of the most faked stones of all.
Firstly, a lower grade of Lapis is very frequently dyed to enhance the
navy blue color. Lapis, unfortunately, does not take dye well and will
easily rub off with some water and elbow grease. Fake Lapis may also be
created by dying Howlite, a white stone that takes dye well. We have frequently
seen
Sodalite or Dumortierite sold as Lapis, however, these stones will
never display the sparkling golden flecks that identify true Lapis Lazuli.
The best Lapis in the world comes from Afghanistan, though as many US
Military will attest--it is also frequently dyed and sold as a higher
grade stone.
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