Lapis Lazuli
A stone of royalty and spirituality, it was unsurpassed in ancient times. Known as sapphirus until the Middle Ages. Lapis is Latin for ‘blue stone’. Lapis Lazuli was the stone of the Pharaohs and Emperors world over and is most likely the sapphire mentioned in the Bible. Catherine the Great decorated a room, walls, fireplace, doors and mirror frames. Chinese cherished it for carving.
Lapis Lazuli (Lazurite) is made up of several different minerals lazurite, sodalite, hauyne, calcite and pyrite. Predominately royal blue with minor patches of white and pyrite inclusions. Most prized intense blue Lapis Lazuli comes from the far northeastern remote province Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Archeological evidence dates these mines to 8000 BC. Russian Lapis has greater amounts of pyrite. Whereas Chilean Lapis is rich in calcite giving it a distinctly dull and dusty appearance. Recently finds of Mexican Lapis are blends of teal and blue.
Metaphysical
Key Words Inner vision, truthful communications, royal virtues
Element Wind
Chakras 5th Throat, 6th Third Eye
Planet Juniper
Birthstone December
Was worn to protect from evil. Thought to aid in the path to self-knowledge and reflection. Wind element working predominantly on the third eye to aid in a deep inner journey.
