Lapis Meaning, History, Healing Properties, Formation, Uses & Styling
Overview
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that’s a deep blue metamorphic rock. It is composed of multiple minerals, including lazurite, pyrite & calcite. The most desirable lapis lazuli is a deep, even blue color. It can also be azure blue, violet-blue, or greenish blue. The blue color comes from lazurite, the white veining comes from calcite and the sparkly bits come from pyrite. Lapis lazuli has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. It’s easy to carve and polish and has been associated with the heavens and the afterlife. It is also believed that lapis lazuli has a diverse and colorful mythology and was assumed to have mystical purifying and curative properties.
History of Lapis Stone
Lapis lazuli has been a valued gemstone for thousands of years, with its dense history including:
Mining: The oldest known mines for lapis lazuli are in modern-day Afghanistan and have been in operation since the 7th millennium BC. The Stari Sang mine in Afghanistan is one of the most important sources of the stone.
Trade: Lapis lazuli was traded along ancient trade routes, spreading across the globe.
Art & Culture: Lapis Lazuli was used in many cultures, including:
Ancient Egypt: Lapis lazuli was used in jewelry, amulets and funerary art, such as the death mask of Tutankhamun. It was also ground into a powder to make eye makeup called kohl.
Ancient Persia and Mesopotamia: Lapis lazuli was used for jewelry and seals.
Medieval and Renaissance Europe: Lapis lazuli was used to create ultramarine-colored paint.
The Epic of Gilgamesh: In this ancient story, Gilgamesh’s craftsmen admired the horns of a slain bull, which were made of lapis lazuli.
Ancient Alchemists: Lapis lazuli was also used in medicine and by ancient alchemists. In late classical times and the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was often called sapphire.
Physical Properties of Lapis Gem
Lapis lazuli is a gem known for its deep blue color, which can range from azure to royal blue to indigo. The most demanded lapis lazuli is a dark blue with flecks of gold. It has a moderate hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it can be scratched by harder minerals like quartz and topaz, but can scratch softer minerals like gypsum and talc. Lapis lazuli, with a density of 2.7 to 2.9 grams per cubic centimeter, has a dull to waxy luster but can exhibit a vitreous or glass-like luster when polished.
Healing Properties of Lapis Crystal
The crystal lapis lazuli is believed to provide healing in all the physical, emotional & spiritual aspects. Its calming properties are said to help with stress, grief, and trauma; in addition to this, it is also said to help with spiritual growth and connection and is considered a symbol of wisdom and spirituality. Wearing lapis sterling silver jewelry is said to stimulate the third eye chakra, which is the center of intuition and inner wisdom. It also helps in enhancing intellectual abilities and creativity. Lapis lazuli is an astonishing crystal that encourages self-awareness and helps people express their feelings and emotions. Adorning a lapis ring is said to promote learning and education, improve hearing and sight and promote better respiratory and nervous system health.
Formation of Lapis Gemstone
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious gemstone that forms when magma pushes into cooler rock, a process called contact metamorphism. This process alters limestone or marble near igneous intrusions and lazurite replaces parts of the host rock. Lapis is also formed at temperatures between 500 to 600°C, and its the composition of lazurite, calcite, pyrite, feldspar, mica, and amphibole. The vibrant blue color of lapis lazuli comes from the mineral lazurite and it also contains whitish marble veins and small golden inclusions caused by iron. The golden streaks come from pyrite, a yellow metallic mineral made of iron and sulfur.
Uses of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a captivating blue stone that has been used for many purposes, including jewelry creation; it is the most popular choice for gemstone jewelry that includes lapis necklaces or lapis bracelets. In Medieval Europe, lapis lazuli was squeezed to make colored paint. Lapis lazuli has also been used in paintings and art forms. It is also used as a substitute for Neelam in remedies of astrology. Lapis lazuli is known as the stone of truth and friendship and is believed to bring harmony, love, and protection to relationships. It is also thought to enhance intuition, communication, and self-awareness.
Style Through Your Way with Lapis Jewelry
With lapis sterling silver gemstone jewelry, you can style through your way. You can beautifully pair a lapis pendant with a simple t-shirt and jeans for a basic look. The deep blue color of the lapis lazuli will add a pop of color to your outfit. Your lapis bracelets can also be mesmerizingly paired with other natural stone bracelets that includes black tourmaline, opal, or garnet, for a bohemian-inspired look. Combine them with flowy fabrics and earthy tones for a free spirited style. For an evening charm, lapis earrings will be the most fascinating choice, as they can add a touch of elegance to evening attire. Pair them with a little black dress or a sleek outfit to make a sophisticated statement.
Sagacia Jewelry, Your Perfect Companion for Blue Collection
Are you captivated by the interesting features of lapis lazuli then what is stopping you from getting an amazing collection of lapis lazuli jewelry? Just grab your charming piece from Sagacia Jewelry where endless options are available for you. Just get ready to discover affordable yet delicate pieces that will enhance your look to a whole new level. At Sagacia Jewelry, we are dedicated to meeting all of your fashion needs. Our aim is to offer a fascinating selection of affordable fashion accessories. We proudly present an extensive collection of 925 sterling silver jewelry, featuring both bold statement pieces and delicate designs with a variety of gemstones, including Biwa Pearl, Black Obsidian, Green Kyanite, etc.
