Lapis lazuli is a type of metamorphic rock that has a vibrant blue color. Know more about healing properties of lapis lazuli.
Table of Contents
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a type of metamorphic rock that has a vibrant blue color. The color comes from lazurite, another distinct mineral. Lapis lazuli has been used for centuries for ornamental applications, the raw material for sculpting projects, and it is also considered a premium ornamental rock.
Lapis lazuli or just “lapis” come in multiple variations, but as a general rule of thumb, deep blue lapis lazuli with unbroken color, or lapis lazuli with flecks of gold is considered the best and most valuable variants of this rock. Some variants exhibit spider-webbing due to the presence of calcite. While some consumers find the veining interesting and attractive, lapis lazuli with white mottling is considered less valuable, overall.
The interspersion of lazurite on the other hand, which often causes the lapis lazuli to take on the appearance of faded denim sometimes, increases its value. And finally, some lapis lazuli mineralizes with the inclusion of pyrite, or fool’s gold. The excellent color and visuals brought by pyrite can improve the market value of a piece of lapis lazuli, especially in finished high-end ornamental products and jewelry.
How is Lapis Lazuli Made?
For the sake of convenience, people refer to lapis lazuli as a gemstone or mineral, but in reality, it is a rock composite that is produced by the parallel mineralization of two or more other minerals.
Lapis lazuli, categorically, is a metamorphic rock that is commonly found with inclusions like pyrite and lazurite.
Lazurite brings the amazing blue color, while pyrite or fool’s gold brings the luster and color of gold. Lazurite is a silicate material, and sometimes, marble intrusions are also observed in some specimens of lapis lazuli. Since this is a metamorphic rock, under a microscope you will be able to observe banding patterns or layers.
Where can Lapis Lazuli be Found?
Afghanistan is the top source of lapis lazuli to date, but there are also mines found in Pakistan, Russia, Canada, Chile, and the United States.
Lapis lazuli contains significant inclusions of other minerals that allow the rock to appear like a solid mineral as well. Lapis lazuli may also appear semi-translucent to opaque.
After mining it is dull-looking, but it may be polished to improve its marketability and luster. There is no cleavage as it is not a proper mineral, but it may be split or fragmented along with the veining (usually calcite veins) and the various layers where different minerals have formed within the lapis lazuli.
Lapis lazuli is not hard at all as it only has a Mohs scale hardness of 5-5.5. It can be easier to scratch than other gemstones.
Meaning of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli may be formed into beautiful cabochons and this metamorphic rock may also be formed into attractive beads, full-sized carvings, small spheres, inlays for jewelry, and pigments for different applications. Lapis lazuli also has special spiritual and metaphysical properties that make them just as powerful and healing as gemstones.
Chakra Healing
Lapis lazuli is associated with the throat chakra and the third eye chakra.
The throat chakra is associated with free expression, creativity, and imagination. The third eye chakra is associated with foresight, spiritual sensitivity, and other important functions needed for a healthy spiritual life.
Further reading: How do you know if your chakra is open or blocked
September Birthstone
Lapis lazuli is the birthstone of September and is also the stone of several astrological signs like Taurus, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Libra.
Link with Water
It is linked with the element of water, which makes it an incredible defensive ward and cleanser for negative energies. This metamorphic rock transmits spiritual vibrational energies at band number 3 as well.
Link with Personal Power
Lapis lazuli is linked with many facets of confidence and personal power, including the ability to find and use inner truth or universal wisdom, love, self-purification, instinct and intuition, magic, and the ability to manifest things in real life.
If you have ever read the book “The Secret” this is exactly what you need to help you speed up conscious creation or manifestation. Manifestation is the process of receiving and materializing desires with the help of the Universe or the Source.
While you can manifest without the help of gemstones or special rocks like lapis lazuli, you will be able to focus your thoughts and energies more effectively with energy practice, and you will also be able to set your intentions more clearly.
Lapis lazuli prevents the transmission of mixed vibrational energies or mixed signals to the Source. This helps immensely in speeding up vital manifestations that are linked to your lifelong desires in life.
Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli
Protective Stone
Is lapis lazuli also a protection stone? Yes, it is.
Lapis lazuli is an ideal warding stone for the prevention of psychic attacks and it also helps people manage or remove stress. The results of the proper usage of lapis lazuli can result in the restoration of deep and abiding peace in one’s life, as well as the restoration of creative energies and the ability to express oneself without fearing for repercussions from people around one.
Self-aware
Another awesome spiritual property of this rock is it can help people become more self-aware.
Self-awareness is the keystone to ideal spiritual life as it allows for more efficient meditation and identification of issues that prevent you from living your best life yet. With lapis lazuli, you will be able to chance upon specific and general spiritual truths that you can use to make important decisions in your life.
The discovery of truth and acting upon truth does not and should not cause strife in your life. The universal truth is always beneficial and if someone from your family or circle of friends says that your truth is not beneficial at all, then you will know where the toxicity or negativity in your life is coming from.
Physical Healing
Lapis lazuli also has physical benefits. It can help boost your immune system, cleanse your circulatory system, and is also protective of the heart. If you are constantly feeling hot and you have poor thermo-regulation in your body, use it to stay naturally cool. Lapis lazuli can also help people suffering from tissue inflammation.
Find more Lapis Lazuli Jewelry.
Read more:
