Lapis lazuli is a composition of several minerals. It is mostly lazurite, but contains small amounts of augite, calcite, mica, pyrite, and other minerals. It is a deep blue colour, often with flecks of pyrite.
It’s the flecks of pyrite, or fool’s gold, that give Lapis its wonderful golden inclusions. Unlike some minerals, in which such inclusions may be deemed to lower the quality of the gem, in Lapis the stone is more valuable when it is azure blue, maybe with lighter blue streaks, and rich veins of pyrite. As with all minerals the quality and consistency of the gem depends on where it has been mined and what type of vein has recently been struck. Most Lapis is mined in Afghanistan.
Up until the 19th Century ground lapis lazuli was used to create the artist’s colour Ultramarine. The colour was named Ultramarine, which means beyond the sea, as the mineral was shipped from far, far away.
Throughout history lapis has been renowned for its magical and healing properties. The Sumarians believed that their gods lived within the stones. n ancient Egypt it was used for beads, amulets and talismans as well as a pigment. It was used to decorate the all seeing eye and was said to ward off evil spirits.
Lapis is a high vibration mineral. Stare at a quality piece of lapis and it will transport you up to the starry heavens. Stare up at the painted ceiling of many churches, temples and other religious meeting places and you’ll see how artists have endeavoured to emulate the sparkle of lapis lazuli by painting the sky ultramarine and bedecking it with golden stars.
One of the healing properties of Lapis, due to its association with the heavens, is that it helps alleviate depression. It can also help with insomnia, especially when the stone is worn at bed-time or placed next to one’s bed.
Lapis lazuli is said to enhance one's awareness, insight and intellect. It is also said to impart ancient knowledge and wisdom, bringing peacefulness and self-acceptance.
To many people lapis is the ultimate seer’s stone. With appropriate meditation and intent it can helps connect one to future events through dreamwork, divination or contemplation alone.
Lapis also helps with communication, the throat and aids in calming the mind.
