Lapis lazuli, contrary to popular belief, is not strictly mineral but a kind of metamorphic rock with highly specific properties that make it lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli has long been used as a gemstone since time immemorial, and the highest quality specimens can fetch the highest prices in the jewelry market.
The best kinds of lapis lazuli have the most vibrant blue colors, and some of them may even have interspersions or inclusions of fool’s gold or pyrite. What differentiates lapis lazuli from rubies and sapphires is it is primarily a metamorphic rock with different kinds of minerals formed inside.
The vibrant blue color is due to the presence of lazurite, a type of blue silicate that belongs to the sodalite group. This metamorphic rock was first mined in Northern Afghanistan several hundred years ago. Lapis lazuli was used as early as 3000 BC. Proof of this is its use as a pigment in ancient Egyptian tombs.
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Lapis Lazuli Meaning
The deep blue color of lapis lazuli has long been associated with power and royalty, as well as the element of water and other essential facets of Creation. Lapis lazuli is also linked with ancient, universal wisdom and universal wisdom.
This gem represented so much value in ancient Egypt that pharaohs and nobility regularly used the ultramarine dye for tombs and other ornamental applications.
The added flecks of golden color (thanks to pyrite) stood in stark contrast with the warm, yellow tones that are common in the arid desert that was the home of the ancient Egyptians.
In ancient America before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, lapis lazuli is hailed as the cosmic stone of the gods, with its golden flecks representing the stars above. In European folklore, it is believed that the great and pure blue of lapis lazuli served as natural protection against the residents of the night. It defended people from evil spirits and attacks of all kinds, making lapis lazuli one of the earliest warding stones in history.
Lapis lazuli is highly recommended for professionals like lawyers, judges, writers, and the like as this stone helps people accrue knowledge and make the right decisions. If your work requires lots of analysis and critical thinking, lapis lazuli can help you achieve your goals. It frees up the mind and removes mental fog, allowing you to learn quickly and understand with utmost wisdom and discernment.
Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties
Lapis lazuli has many healing properties worth mentioning here. As lapis lazuli is associated with the throat chakra, it is also beneficial and healing to organs and tissues in this general area.
Use this gem to help heal the vocal cords, the larynx, and the throat area in general. If you are suffering from concurrent infections of the throat, which is dangerous for the heart, you can use lapis lazuli to reduce the chances of developing repeat infections that may cause rheumatic heart disease in the future.
An ancient technique that may work wonders is rubbing lapis lazuli on eyes affected by sties and similar maladies that involve tissue inflammation, oozing, and infected tissue.
Warm the lapis lazuli first with warm water before rubbing it on your eyes gently. The water that you used to wash the lapis lazuli can be used to clean your eyes once it is cool enough. However, if the warm water is accessible on the skin and won’t hurt your eyes, feel free to use it earlier to ease the inflammation and reduce the oozing of your eyes.
Lapis lazuli is also an excellent remedy for women who are suffering from menstrual irregularities and maladies. Menstrual cramps, irregular bleeding, and other manifestations of pain and diseases can be reduced or remedied by lapis lazuli.
Lapis lazuli is a good option if you want to reduce chronic tissue inflammation. Use it if you feel that you are unable to manage the pain of any pre-existing medical condition. Use this rock also if you bruise easily. Place the lapis lazuli on the weal or bruise, and it will help reduce the recovery time. It will also reduce the ugly coloration of any bruising you may have.
Additionally, lapis lazuli can be used to remedy brain disorders and growths, such as tumors. Maladies around the head and neck region can be alleviated by using lapis lazuli in energy healing practices, or other alternative healing methods.
Are you suffering from headaches and constant migraines? Lapis lazuli may be able to reduce the severity and frequency of those flare-ups.
Lapis Lazuli Uses
In ancient times, lapis lazuli was used primarily as a pigment for painting tombs and other objects (like household items). It is also considered an ornamental material because of its vibrant blue color.
Today, lapis lazuli is more widely used for jewelry because people still can’t get enough of it. It has a timeless and universal appeal that has crossed centuries, and people still consider lapis lazuli a unique rock that deserves a spot in their collections. Lapis lazuli scores a measly five on the Mohs hardness scale.
This makes lapis lazuli problematic if used for modern jewelry. It has lower durability than other minerals like agate, which has a strength of six to 6.5, at the very least. The more durable the metal, the more appropriate it becomes for ornamental use or jewelry settings.
This doesn’t mean that lapis lazuli can’t be used for jewelry. However, manufacturers are careful with what type of jewelry they set lapis lazuli on. This metamorphic rock is best suited for jewelry that is not subjected even to minute levels of impact, like earrings and pendants. Pins are also an appropriate jewelry type for lapis lazuli because it is not knocked about. If lapis lazuli is raised above the bezel too much, signs of abrasion and damage will show quickly with continued use. If you happen to have lapis lazuli jewelry, make sure they are placed in separate pouches and don’t throw them along with other, harder gemstones as other gemstones will scratch the lapis lazuli.
