Lapis Lazuli Decoded: Meaning, Uses & Buying Tips

Lapis Lazuli is a gemstone that is very rich in historical roots and has its origins throughout the globe.

As previously stated, it is also known as the “Wisdom Stone” and it was highly valued in ancient Egypt. It has an interesting name and an even more interesting history around it. 

This gemstone was often associated with royals and aristocrats in the ancient times. The passing of time brought numerous artists to acknowledge the breathtaking beauty of Lapis Lazuli crystal.

Michelangelo picked this stone as his material when he painted the Sistine Chapel. Many believe moldavite carries cosmic energy, making it a powerful stone for transformation.

In the older times of South America, Persian Folklore had a very interesting story behind Lapis Lazuli Stone. They believed that this stone was the shrunken-down version of the magnificent sky full of stars.

Which is why this stone possesses all the knowledge and secrets of the universe. Now that we have talked so much about this stone’s appeal, let’s see what this stone appears like.

Generally, Lapis Lazuli Crystal is said to possess the following physical properties:

The color of this stone is deep blue, a very royal deep blue color transcending the hues generally seen in stones. Some people describe this color as Ultramarine. It looks like in this deep night sky blue appearance, stars are hiding somewhere because of the presence of gold-colored flecks of pyrite in it.

The gem achieves maximum attractiveness when paired with Turquoise and Aquamarine together with clear Quartz.

The stone features an opaque character because it blocks most light from passing through without losing its brilliance. It can be smooth if polished well.

When found in the world, there can be some impurities like specks of calcite streaks or spots which might reduce its appeal and Lapis Lazuli Price as well.

The color deep blue gives it a Luster similar to water. Commonly, it is known as Vitreous. These characteristics make this gemstone worthy of all the attention and love it gets, the elegance simply feels incomparable.

The best quality stones can be found in the Sar-i-Sang Mines located in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan.

Interestingly, they have been providing the world with the finest Lapis Lazuli Stone for more than 6000 years. Here, you will find the least contaminated and the purest form of this gem. 

Other than Afghanistan, it can also be found in the Ovalle region of Chile. But you will notice that the same stone here is a bit lighter in hue than the Afghan stone.

There is a higher amount of Calcite in the stone here. This stone is also found in Lake Baikal in Siberia. This Russian region provides a very rich blue-colored and textured stone. 

California and Colorado mines are also providers of this stone. All these places mentioned are very famous for these stones, there might be more and we might not even know about them for years. For now, if you want a high-quality gemstone, these are the places you go to. 

When you think of the zodiac that accrues the most Lapis Lazuli benefits, the first name that comes is Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21).

This stone has been established as the stone that enhances your mind and brings a calmness in the emotions. Sagittarius can find balance and clarity with the help of this gemstone. 

It protects the Saggitarius folks from the negative energies around them and heals their cosmic soul. In some traditions, Libra is also said to have a connection with this stone.

People believe that it brings libra zodiacs the much-needed harmony and balance in their lives. Libra signs can also highly benefit from the beautiful Opal crystal.

These gemstones come in several grades and types. They are mainly differentiated by their looks and hues, and how many impurities exist in them. Here are the types listed below:

• Top Grade (AA or AAA)

It is very deep blue like the deep sea in color and there is hardly any calcite present in it. You can find some golden flecks of pyrite in it. 

• High Grade (A)

Rich blue which is slightly lighter than the above, contains some white calcite as well. But it is still pretty much clean and very valued for making jewelry. Note that these purities determine Lapis Lazuli price in the market.

• Mid and Low Grades (B and C)

They are medium and light blue respectively. Both have a noticeable amount of white calcite present and sometimes the pyrite can be dominating. They are used for low-end jewelry. 

• Denim Lapis

The color looks like denim fabric and there is high calcite present with minimal pyrite flecks.

• Chilean Lapis

These stones are medium to light blue and sometimes you can see a greenish hue in them like Aventurine. It contains more calcite but is still used in a lot of jewelry. 

Lapis Lazuli benefits transcend to its many kinds of healing properties. They are listed below: 

Physical Benefits:

• It helps people with Depression and Insomnia because of its calming effect that takes away depressive thoughts and anxiety.
• It is believed that just looking at this stone can lower your high blood pressure. 
• Lapis Lazuli can also soothe your throat and help you if you are having thyroid issues. 

Emotional Healing Properties:

• These crystals can help you with finding yourself. The wisdom stone brings self-awareness to you. 
• If you are someone who is living in the shadows, this stone can bring acceptance and courage to your life. 
• It encourages self-expression and bonds in your life. The deep olive-green hues of moldavite make it a distinctive and sought-after gemstone.

Metaphysical Healing Properties:

• This stone is connected to the third eye chakra and can help you balance it. 
• The beautiful colors of this stone are connected to the spirit realms and can help you protect yourselves.
• It is also known to have a connection with the throat chakra.

These are only some of the healing properties of this crystal, you can always research more and find even more benefits for it. It is a very special gemstone. 

Here are some of the useful tips for cleaning and taking good care of Lapis Lazuli and other stones like Ocean Jasper and Pearl:

• The gem requires water only for cleaning as acids should be completely avoided.
• Warm Soapy Water is the best and most simple way to keep your stone clean.
• If you are worried about keeping your Lapis charged, leave it in a bowl overnight with tumbled hematite.
• As long as you keep it away from toxins and chemicals, your stone should be fine. 

Lapis Lazuli stone exists as a deep-blue gemstone which has enchanted communities continuously since the past centuries because of its fascinating appearance. Chemically the metamorphic rock consists mainly of lazurite with traces of calcite and pyrite and sodalite and displays colored sparkles and golden aspects.

Physical Properties

• The natural body of Lapis Lazuli gemstone displays royal blue hues with golden veins of pyrite running through it.
• The rating of Lapis Lazuli crystal at level 5 – 5.5 on Mohs scale places it in the group of softer stone materials.
• Luster: Dull to vitreous, with a waxy to greasy finish when polished.
• Transparency: Opaque.

Metaphysical Properties

• A stone of wisdom, intuition, and self-awareness.
• The Lapis Lazuli cabochon improves mental powers and memory functions and delivers mental clarity.
• Both communication skills and truth-tracking abilities gain support from Lapis Lazuli stone energies which connect to the Throat Chakra and Third Eye region.
• The metaphysical properties of Lapis Lazuli gemstone generate depth in mind tranquility and emotional healing which grants its users the power to create their desired self.
• Lapis Lazuli crystal serves as a notable gemstone because its blue hue integrates elemental golden flecks of the mineral pyrite.

Major social groups have used Lapis Lazuli cabochon as a crucial emblem to signify both their control and understanding of deep spiritual visions since ancient times.

Ancient societies and contemporary enthusiasts appreciate Lapis Lazuli gemstone because it maintains its central role in spiritual practices, cultural expressions, and artistic realms.

Symbol of Royalty and Divinity

• Ancient pharaohs, kings, and high Egyptian religious leaders chose to wear this stone.
• People of ancient civilizations considered Lapis Lazuli stone as a source capable of receiving divine power and universal wisdom.

Stone of Truth and Communication

• Enhances self-expression, honesty, and leadership.
• The use of Lapis Lazuli crystal helps lead to genuine discourse along with genuine expression of personal experiences.  Many people cherish pearl for its soft luster and classic elegance in jewelry.

Spiritual Awakening and Psychic Abilities

• The connection of Lapis Lazuli gemstone to the Third Eye Chakra aids in developing spiritual awareness and deep inner perception.
• People use this Lapis Lazuli cabochon during their meditation practice to contact their higher spiritual awareness and obtain knowledge regarding their past events.

Ancient Egyptian Adornment

• This stone found its use in pharaohs' jewelry production while also appearing in burial masks and sacred amulets.
• Lapis Lazuli gemstone made its notable appearance on the famous mask which belonged to Tutankhamun.

The First "Ultramarine" Paint

• The production of ultramarine pigment with Lapis Lazuli powder made it the most expensive paint color throughout the Renaissance era.
• The Renaissance era artists Leonardo da Vinci together with Michelangelo and Vermeer relied on Lapis Lazuli cabochons as their primary material in their craft.

Oldest Known Spiritual Stone

• Since the times of 7,000 BCE, Lapis Lazuli crystal gained religious veneration from Mesopotamians, then Persians, after which Greeks adopted it.

Believed to Offer Protection

• People across numerous cultures donned Lapis Lazuli stone as a protective device to boost their mental astuteness and safeguard them from malevolent forces.

Used in Ancient Medicine

• People ground Lapis Lazuli gemstone into a substance, then added water for medical use against headaches, fevers, and treatment of eye infections.

Egyptian Mythology

• Mythology views Lapis Lazuli crystal as the stone of gods because it binds to two divine deities: Horus, who presides over the heavens, and Isis, who rules magic and sage wisdom.
• This powerful Lapis Lazuli cabochon was supposed to guide souls toward transformation while providing divine insight upon death.

Sumerian and Mesopotamian Myths

• Sumerian beliefs compared this Lapis Lazuli gemstone to a heavenly origin, containing universal wisdom.
• Workers used this stone for royal seals, temple engravings, and mystical religious ceremonies. Mother of Pearl is a luminous organic material found inside mollusk shells.

Greek and Roman Lore

• This Lapis Lazuli stone is linked to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
• Oracle experts employed Lapis Lazuli crystal to develop intuition and clear foresight.

Persian Legends

• According to beliefs, Lapis Lazuli cabochon functioned as both a protective guard and a magical anti-evil object.
• Throughout human history, Lapis Lazuli gemstone has influenced various cultures through myths that designate its symbolism as divine wisdom, mystical knowledge, and protective capabilities.

Cabochons

• The cabochon cut has become the most common form since it displays smooth polished surfaces.
• The gold pyrite specks of natural origin receive enhancement.

Beads

• The opaqueness and appearance of blue Lapis Lazuli stone make it suitable for mala necklaces, bracelets, and classic jewelry pieces.

Carvings and Intaglios

• Craftspeople use this Lapis Lazuli gemstone when creating amulets, ornamental scarabs, and figurative pieces.

Spheres and Tumbled Stones

• People use Lapis Lazuli stone for meditation practices and energy-based therapeutic procedures.

Flat Slabs and Inlays

• Lapis Lazuli gemstone finds its applications throughout mosaics and sacred temple decorations as well as decorative furniture in addition to its historical use in mosaics.
• The ability of Lapis Lazuli crystal to work in various ways turns it into the preferred stone for jewelry design and spiritual tools as well as antique historical pieces.

The main region where Lapis Lazuli cabochons get extracted is Afghanistan along with smaller mining sites located in Chile, Russia, and the United States. The ethical and environmental considerations create issues regarding its mining sources.

Conflict Mining

• The largest supplier of premium Lapis Lazuli gemstone production in Afghanistan faces problems due to unlawful mining activities and exploitation in the country. Many designers love Mother of Pearl for its iridescent beauty and delicate charm.
• Ethical sourcing represents an essential aspect which guarantees fair payment along with decent facilities and working standards for employees.

Sustainability Challenges

• Locally-based mining approaches often hurt the local natural environment.
• The traditional mining approaches implemented through artisanal methods decrease the negative effects on the environment.

Ethical Buying Choices

• Your shopping should focus on obtaining Lapis Lazuli crystal from ethical sources practicing fair trading.
• You should donate to establishments that protect mining sustainability and compensate employees with fair salaries.
• When you select ethical Lapis Lazuli stones from its sources it will help sustain the livelihood of artisan workers along with proper mining sustainability practices.

Several elements determine the worth of Lapis Lazuli cabochons.

Color

• Royal blue stones of deep saturation along with few calcite inclusions and abundant pyrite veins maintain their highest value.
• The market values Lapis Lazuli gems most when they appear deep blue with minimal clouding features.

Clarity and Inclusions

• The value increases when gold-colored pyrite particles appear equally throughout the stone.
• White calcite in excess diminishes the value of the stone.

Cut and Shape

• The most valuable Lapis Lazuli cabochons include perfectly finished cabochons and carvings as well as large slabs.

Origin

• The Afghan version of Lapis Lazuli stone remains the top-quality stone while bringing superior market value.
• Quality Lapis Lazuli gemstone makes a valuable gemstone investment because of its permanent beauty.

Astrology recognizes Lapis Lazuli crystal as a profound stone which merges attributes of wisdom and intuitive capabilities with equilibrium.

Zodiac Associations

• Sagittarius: Enhances their natural curiosity, truth-seeking, and leadership qualities.
• Libra: Aids in communication, decision-making, and emotional balance.

Chakra Connection

• The second eye chakra together with the throat chakra receive activation which leads to improved intuitive abilities and enhanced verbal expression.

Spiritual Benefits

• The stone helps users reach deep states of meditation while developing their psychic talents along with cosmic awareness abilities.
• Encourages self-discovery and enlightenment.

Astrological meanings identify Lapis Lazuli gemstone as a stone which brings both enhanced mental awareness and sacred divine knowledge.

What Is The Significance Of Lapis Lazuli?

This stone is often associated with wisdom and mental balance and is significantly wanted for its deep blue, night sky-like appearance. It also has high spiritual significance. 

What Is An Interesting Fact About Lapis Lazuli?

Michelangelo used this stone to paint the very famous Sistine Chapel in the Renaissance era. This is how a lot of artists and painters found out how versatile the blue shade of Lapis is. 

Can You Wear Lapis Lazuli Daily?

Absolutely yes, if you are craving Lapis Lazuli benefits daily, you can wear it like a beautiful piece of jewelry or you can carry it like some talisman with you. Also, make sure to keep it clean and shining.

What Are The Different Types Of Lapis Lazuli Gemstones?

You can find this stone in different grades, AAA, AA, A, B, and C. Other than them, you can find it in the form of Denim Lapis and Chilean Lapis as well. Get the best varieties available at Gemstonesforsale.

Where To Put Lapis Lazuli Gemstone In Your Home?

You should try to keep this stone in the places where wisdom is used the most. Maybe in your study room or living room where discussions happen to calm the space. You can also keep it in your meditation spaces.