lapislázuli

Lapis Lazuli

lapis-lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone, composed of different minerals. Its intense blue color is due to the presence of lazurite, while the embedded pyrite gives its golden shine and calcite can provide white veins.

Its name comes from the Latin "lapis" which means stone and the Arabic "lazaward" which means sky or blue. It has been mined for over 6,000 years in the mountains of Afghanistan, which remain the most important and recognized source of high quality lapis lazuli.

It has a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones.

Origin and Countries of Origin

It is said that lapis lazuli was first found in the Hindu Kush mountain located in Afghanistan; from where it was extracted and exported to the Mediterranean and South Asia since the Neolithic age. Although, some maintain the theory that it was found in Egypt. It is believed that the only source in ancient times was Badakhshan, in northeastern Afghanistan, and that the stone reached Egypt via trade routes.

Its deep blue color has been associated with the sky and the cosmos, symbolizing the connection with the divine and the search for inner truth.

In addition to Afghanistan, lapis lazuli is also found in Chile, Russia, Pakistan and United States.

Properties and Energies

Lapis lazuli is known as a stone of wisdom, truth and self-expression with these characteristics:

Enhances creativity: Lapis lazuli can enhance creativity, self-expression and the ability to find new solutions to problems.

Inner Wisdom: Often referred to as the “keeper of wisdom,” it is believed to possess the ability to illuminate the mind and lead to self-awareness. It also promotes introspection and inner wisdom, in order to make wiser decisions.

Healing Lapis lazuli is said to have healing properties that can benefit both the nervous and respiratory system. Being able to help unblock throat problems.

Meaning and Use in Different Cultures

Lapis lazuli has been valued by many ancient cultures. For instance, in ancient Egypt, it was used to create jewelry and amulets for the pharaohs, just like the famous sarcophagus of Tutankhamun which is embedded with this stone. They also ground this stone to obtain a blue pigment that was used in paints and cosmetics.

In Mesopotamia, lapis lazuli was used in cylinder seals, jewelry, and religious artifacts. The Sumerians and Babylonians believed that lapis lazuli contained the essence of the gods and used it to decorate temples and statues of deities.

While, in the Middle Ages and Renaissance Europe, lapis lazuli became the ultramarine blue pigment, extremely valuable to painters. Artists such as Friar Angelico, Da Vinci and Vermeer used this pigment in their masterpieces, considering it a symbol of wealth and prestige due to its high cost and beauty.

How to use Lapis lazuli

It was said that lapis lazuli was the starry sky reduced to a precious gem. And this sky can be used in the following ways:

Wearing it as jewelry: Wearing a lapis lazuli bracelet on your wrist ensures that the stone's energy is in constant contact with the body, providing a constant source of calm and mental clarity. In addition to carrying a reminder of royalty from our ancestors.

While wearing a necklace with lapis lazuli opens the throat chakra, directly transmitting serenity and security.

Art: In sculpture and art, it has been used to create carved figures, inlays on different surfaces and objects, mosaics and paintings. Michelangelo used it as a pigment for the creation of the famous Sistine Chapel.

Zodiac Signs that resonate with lapis lazuli

This stone, which can also help have a better sleep quality, has a special affinity with the following signs:

Sagittarius: Helps them explore their deepest thoughts and communicate ideas clearly. Additionally, it provides protection, balance and increases wisdom to help them have a better understanding of the world.

Pisces: Helps access their inner wisdom and express their feelings clearly and honestly. In addition, it provides a calming and protective energy, helping Pisces to maintain emotional balance and inner peace.

Aquarius: This stone helps them be more original and independent in their thoughts and actions. In addition, it is essential for projects and relationships, as it helps their innovative mind, and increases their desire for truth.

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