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• 1. What is Lapis Lazuli?
• 2. The History of Lapis Lazuli
• 3. Metaphysical Properties of Lapis Lazuli
• 4. Magical Properties of Lapis Lazuli
• 5. Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli
• 6. Lapis Lazuli for Jewelry Making

What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is one of the most vibrant and fascinating stones in mineralogy. A sky-blue gem with golden veins and an amazing luster proudly wears the poetic name "Heavenly Stone". Indeed, its fabulously beautiful coloring resembles the azure of a clear sky. In Arabic, the word ‘azul’ means sky, and the same meaning has the Persian ‘lazurite’. By the way, lazurite is one of the many names of this mysterious mineral.

The History of Lapis Lazuli

People discovered the majestic mineral more than 7,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians called it "the son of heaven". They believed that the blue stone was intended for pharaohs as successors of the god Ra on Earth. The stone became an embellishment for statues of gods and rulers. It also doubled as an inlay for bracelets, necklaces, rings, headpieces, etc. Modern museums display ancient scarab jewelry adorned with lapis lazuli, and this pinpoints its mission as a ritual attribute. Regular Egyptians wore lapis lazuli jewelry as well. They believed that it could bring longevity and happiness.

Lapis Lazuli was (and still is) loved around the globe. Legends and traditions from every corner of the world link the blue stone to the highest powers. For the Sumerians, lapis lazuli was a symbol of their supreme deity Inanna. In China, blue lapis lazuli balls decorated mandarin’s headdresses to represent wealth and power. Ancient Greek priests used ground lapis lazuli to dye their robes blue.

Our ancestors could not but endow such an amazing mineral with healing properties. The ancient Egyptians crushed the stones into powder and made medicine to remove the poison from the body. The same blue powder was prescribed to cure eye diseases.

Metaphysical Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a complex compound comprised of several chemical elements. It contains sulfur, sodium, aluminum, oxygen, and calcium. The more sulfur it features, the more vibrant color it provides. The most charming specimens of lapis lazuli contain golden or silvery blotches or streaks. Impurities of pyrite and feldspar are responsible for this mesmerizing effect. Gemstones may also have gray stripes but their value isn’t particularly high.

The most popular colors of lapis lazuli range from ultramarine blue to deep purple, although it naturally occurs in such shades as teal, cobalt, turquoise, greenish, lilac, etc. Regardless of the color, lapis lazuli boasts a silky, as if oily, sheen.

The most valuable lapis lazuli stones are mined in Afghanistan. Their trade names depend on color and texture. Nili stones boast saturated colors that vary from violet-blue to indigo. Some specimens display fine golden veins. They are the most expensive of all lapis lazuli gems. Asmani stones provide a sky-blue tint. Sufsi gems are known for their greenish color and various inclusions.

Lapis lazuli is not the hardest gemstone around. It has 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Inside, the stone is grainy and conch-like. Due to its low density and hardness, it lends itself well for cutting. More often than not, it is cut en cabochon.

Magical Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Since time immemorial, lapis lazuli has been known as the stone of friendship. It helps people open up, makes them more outgoing and charming, and improves interpersonal relationships. The mineral removes conflicts and contradictions as well as aids to come to understanding. Lapis lazuli will come in handy for individuals who often interact with people. Besides that, the mineral assists in self-realization as well as attracts good luck, success, and prosperity. It contributes to the achievement of goals and the implementation of plans. For this reason, it is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs, merchants, politicians, etc.

As an amulet, lapis lazuli neutralizes negativity that comes from other people. The positive energy it radiates inspires to overcome hardship and drives away ill-wishers. You can also use lapis lazuli amulets to dispel bad thoughts and unpleasant memories. To do so, you need to put the gem on the forehead and mentally flush all the things that make you upset.

The blue stone does not tolerate evil. Instead, it welcomes good to this world. They say that it is able to help a person in spiritual development; hence it is used in meditative practices focused on conceiving of the inner world. Lapis lazuli is also beneficial in love matters. It helps nurture affection as well as contributes to growing respect and trust. A house that has lapis lazuli amulets is a place where love flourishes.

Healing properties of Lapis Lazuli

Some of the most ancient mentions about the healing properties of lapis lazuli are found in the works of Avicenna. He believed that the mineral alleviated a variety of diseases. In particular, he recommended using the blue stone to cure the diseases of kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Healers relied on it to cleanse the blood, kill germs, treat skin diseases, and facilitate childbirth. Lapis lazuli is also known for its powers to normalize blood pressure and treat mental illnesses.

In modern lithotherapy, the gemstone has a variety of applications. You can use it for the following:

relieve fatigue, tension, and stress;

fight insomnia;

regain vitality, energy, and stamina;

relieve inflammation as well as back and joints pain;

improve the functioning of the thyroid gland;

enhance immunity;

battle allergies;

improve hearing.

Lapis lazuli can have both a short- and long-term effect on one’s health. To remove the symptoms of acute diseases, it’s enough to hold the mineral for a few minutes. If you’d like to reap its benefits in the long run, lapis lazuli jewelry worn regularly is just what the doctor ordered.

Lapis Lazuli for Jewelry Making

If you’re looking for lapis lazuli gems loose, by piece, or in strands, Kenkengems is the place to go. We deliver some of the most electrifying specimens of Afghanistan lapis lazuli known for their deep ultramarine blue color and silky luster. While most suppliers focus on cabochons, we are proud to present faceted lapis lazuli stones in such amazing cuts as cube, pear, round, drop, nugget, and many more. Kenkengems is the epitome of high quality at a very attractive price. With us, all of your daring jewelry-crafting ideas will come to life.