Lapis Lazuli

Throughout history, Lapis Lazuli has remained one of the most highly sought-after stones. Its deep celestial blue colour is associated with royalty, honour, gods, power, spirit, and vision, making it a universal symbol of wisdom and truth. Its name is derived from the Latin word for stone, “lapis,” and the Persian word for blue, “lazhuward.” Lapis Lazuli is a rock that is formed from a combination of multiple minerals, including Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite, and Pyrite, resulting in a rich medium to royal blue hue with golden flecks of pyrites. Lower-grade Lapis Lazuli has a lighter blue tone with more white than gold flecks, which is commonly referred to as denim Lapis. 

In ancient times, Lapis Lazuli was highly regarded for its exquisite colour and the valuable ultramarine dye derived from it. It was used extensively in jewellery and ground into powder for dyes, eye shadow, and medicinal elixirs. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen and other burial ornaments of Egyptian kings and queens were richly inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. 

Lapis Lazuli was among the most prized tribute paid to Egypt and was obtained from the oldest mines in the world, worked from around 4000 B.C. It was also referenced in the Old Testament as sapphire (unknown in that part of the ancient world) and was the fifth stone in the original breastplate of the High Priest, as well as those of later times. 

In ancient Persia and pre-Columbian America, Lapis Lazuli was a symbol of the starry night and a favourite stone of the Islamic Asia for protection from the evil eye. It was much used in Greek and Roman times as an ornamental stone, and in medieval Europe, Lapis Lazuli, resembling the blue of the heavens, was believed to counteract the wiles of the spirits of darkness and procure the aid and favour of the spirits of light and wisdom. 

Ground and processed into powder, Lapis Lazuli produced the intense and expensive ultramarine colour favoured by the painter Michelangelo. Buddhists recommended Lapis as a stone to bring inner peace and freedom from negative thoughts. Catherine the Great even adorned an entire room in her palace with Lapis Lazuli walls, fireplaces, doors, and mirror frames during the Renaissance. 

Lapis Lazuli is not only a beautiful stone, but it also possesses many healing properties. It is an excellent stone for stimulating wisdom and good judgment in the practical world and aids intellectual analysis while promoting the creation of innovative ideas. Additionally, Lapis Lazuli is a powerful crystal for activating the higher mind, enhancing intellectual ability, and stimulating the desire for knowledge, truth, and understanding. It is excellent for enhancing memory and encourages honesty in the spirit and the spoken and written word. 

Lapis Lazuli is a stone of friendship and brings harmony to relationships. It can create calm and loving communication in a home with temperamental teenagers when used in a grid. In terms of its healing properties, Lapis Lazuli can aid in physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and issues. It is commonly used in energy healing and Chakra balancing, primarily associated with physical ailments of the throat, revealing truth, and balancing the Throat Chakra. Its therapeutic uses have a long and well-documented history. 

Lapis Lazuli boasts an impressive range of benefits for both physical and mental health. This striking crystal has a particular affinity for the throat, larynx, and vocal cords, helping to regulate the endocrine and thyroid glands. It can also alleviate hearing loss and other issues with the ear and nasal passages. Beyond its beneficial effects on the respiratory system, Lapis Lazuli also has a positive impact on circulation, improving cardiac rhythm and reducing vertigo and blood pressure. In addition, it has been known to alleviate insomnia and general pain and inflammation, particularly in the case of migraine headaches. 

Lapis Lazuli’s healing properties extend beyond the physical realm, as it is also believed to aid in mental and emotional healing. It encourages self-awareness and the acceptance of inner truth, providing relief for repressed emotions and allowing for greater self-expression. Lapis Lazuli fosters qualities of honesty, compassion, and uprightness, helping to cultivate dignity in friendships and social interactions. It also provides a clearer perspective on one’s life, revealing both limitations and opportunities for growth and utilizing one’s unique gifts and abilities. 

As a crystal of the Throat Chakra, Lapis Lazuli serves as a pressure valve for the expression of energy from other chakras. By balancing this energy centre, Lapis Lazuli can promote more authentic communication and help to align the mind, body, and spirit. Whether used in crystal healing or simply appreciated for its stunning beauty, Lapis Lazuli is a powerful ally for those seeking greater harmony and well-being in all aspects of their lives.