Lapis lazuli is a gorgeous blue stone used historically to make blue pigment for paint by making it into a powder and mixing it with oil. Today it is most commonly seen in jewellery and used by those who believe in the energetic properties attributed to it according to gem therapy.
If you're curious about this gemstone's powers when it comes to combatting physical malaise, its origins according to gemology, and what zodiac signs it benefits most, and lapis lazuli's meaning then don't miss out on this article.
Lapis lazuli: meaning in gemology
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue rock speckled with pyrite that people sometimes mistake for gold. This stone owes its colour to lazurite since 25-40% of it is composed of this mineral. Other crystals like mica and augite also contain lazurite.
This stone has an opaque matte appearance and is valued for its intense blue hue. The more white calcite or pyrite veins it has, the less it's worth.
Its name is Arabic and literally means 'blue stone.' The main deposit of this mineral is located in Chile, and on 20 September 1984, it became this country's national stone. Even so, the most beautiful lapis lazuli stones are found in Afganistan, in the Badakhshan province, to be more specific.
This rock has been used since antiquity, and in prehistory, it was already carved by some humans. It was also present in many ancient cultures, for example, ancient Egyptians believed that lapis lazuli was capable of helping the soul to cross over to the afterlife and recognizing immortality. They also thought that this stone represented love and opened hearts to self-love and the love of others.
The Sumerians called it the "stone of stones" and their greatest goddess' palace was located under a mountain of lapis lazuli. Greco-Romans said that this stone was an aphrodisiac and an antidote against snake bites.
Lapis lazuli's meaning seems to change depending on the culture that you read about this gemstone in, but overall it is an ancient stone with many uses both medicinal and practical.
Lapis lazuli's healing properties and uses in gem therapy
Lapis lazuli is the rock of communication, love, and remarkable friendship. Besides, it attracts sympathy and has many properties both on a psychic and physical level. According to a type of alternative medicine known as gem therapy, magic crystals can help to cure malaise in any part of the body.
On a physical level, lapis lazuli brings balance, peace, regulation, and reparation. In the Middle Ages, this stone was known for its rejuvenating effects on the body and for keeping extremities healthy. Besides, it helps to improve vision problems, reduces dandruff, skin problems, and can bring down a fever.
On the psychological plane, this magic crystal awakens the humanitarian side in people and thus helps to make the world a better place. Besides, it promotes creative expression, honesty, and has a calming effect that helps with depression. All of this gives those with this stone more self-confidence and the ability focus on their lives more fully.
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How do you clean lapis lazuli?
If you buy or receive a magic lapis lazuli, first, you need to clean and purify it. This will get rid of all of the negative energies the stone holds from prior owners.
Likewise, if you've had your gem for a while, you should cleanse it periodically to rid it of all of the bad energy that it has absorbed over time. Also, after a while, it will run out of energy to share with you.
To purify lapis lazuli, you just need to wash it with regular water without any salt. If you can use distilled water or spring water, this would be ideal (this is easy to find at any mid-sized supermarket).
Once it is clean, place the rock on an amethyst geode or a block of quartz. Because of its composition, you should avoid putting it near sources of heat, washing it in hot water, acidic solutions, soap, or salt.
Lapis lazuli and Chakras
This stone is excellent for meditation since it helps to connect us to the divine and aids in clairvoyance. It helps to develop sensitivity, increase awareness, brings spiritual growth, and can also aid in opening the chakras.
Lapis lazuli works particularly well with the fifth chakra (throat chakra), to strengthen the lungs and throat, engage the thymus, and helps with health conditions related to the pharynx. Concerning the sixth chakra (third eye chakra), it improves clairvoyance and hair and nail growth.
Which zodiac signs could benefit from lapis lazuli?
In the Western Horoscope, each sign has several magic stones that give it particular powers. Lapis lazuli is particularly helpful for signs like Sagittarius, Pisces, Capricorn, and Aquarius.
- You might be interested in: 12 Types of Stones According to Your Zodiac Sign
Some fun facts about lapis lazuli
Because of its colour, lapis lazuli is often confused with sodalite, and although these stones have some things in common, lapis lazuli is much softer. If you want to buy one, you'll find them in stores like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and incorporated into all kinds of jewellery.
If you have an uncut lapis lazuli, it would be best if used as a decoration, rather than a lucky charm. This is because its irregular shape could end up wearing a hole in your pocket or wherever you choose to put it.
As we mentioned before, starting in the 15th Century, this stone was used to make a pigment called ultramarine. This is the same colour that was used in works such as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
Sometimes lapis lazuli with lots of white is dyed, and in this case, just the surface is the unique, intense blue colour. However, if you take a closer look, what you'll see is essentially calcite.