Lapis Lazuli
Energetically: Lapis Lazuli is a stone of wisdom, truth, and noble expression. Revered since ancient times, its deep celestial blue flecked with gold evokes clarity, intellect, and spiritual depth. Connected with honest communication and higher understanding, Lapis Lazuli encourages confident self‑expression rooted in integrity. It supports intellectual insight and inner authority, inspiring you to speak and live your truth with grace.
Mythology & Historical Lore: Lapis Lazuli has been prized since ancient Egypt, where it was ground into pigment for ultramarine and used in jewellery, scarabs, and burial ornaments. It symbolised royalty, wisdom, and divine truth. The stone was also highly valued in Mesopotamia and Renaissance Europe for its rich blue pigment.
Birthstone: Lapis Lazuli is an alternative birthstone for September in some historical lists.
Major Sources: Afghanistan (notably Badakhshan), Chile, Russia, Pakistan.
Treatment Disclosure: Lapis Lazuli is sometimes dyed to enhance colour and may be waxed or oiled to improve polish.
Gemmology & Geological Profile: Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, along with calcite and pyrite inclusions. Its deep blue colour and golden pyrite flecks make it distinctive. It forms through contact metamorphism of limestone.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Metamorphic Rock (Lazurite-rich) |
| Chemical Composition | Complex sodium calcium aluminosilicate with sulfur |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 – 5.5 |
| Crystal System | Isometric (for lazurite component) |
| Lustre | Dull to vitreous |
| Formation | Forms through contact metamorphism of limestone |
| Notable Features | Deep blue with pyrite flecks |