The name of this stone comes from the Latin, "lapis" which means Stone and “lazuli” meaning sky or heaven. Also called the stone of heaven or the stone of truth, it is a precious gemstone with a rich and captivating history spanning thousands of years. From its first mining in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan to its use in royal jewelry and sacred art across cultures, Lapis Lazuli has fascinated humanity with its vibrant beauty and holistic properties.
Archaeological evidence suggests that lapis lazuli was mined as early as the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC, in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan.
Lapis Lazuli was a revered gemstone in Ancient Egypt, associated with the gods, royalty, and the afterlife. It was used to create royal jewelry, sacred amulets, and funerary sculptures.
The Egyptians associated Lapis Lazuli with deities such as Nut (goddess of the sky), Horus (god of the sun), and Osiris (god of the afterlife). Elaborate jewelry made with Lapis Lazuli was worn by pharaohs and nobles, symbolizing divine authority and a connection to the sky. Due to its blue color, associated with the sky and water, Lapis Lazuli was considered a sacred stone that helped souls pass into the afterlife. The funerary mask of Tutankhamun, the most famous pharaoh, is decorated with Lapis Lazuli, symbolizing spiritual rebirth.
An Egyptian legend tells how the god Horus lost an eye in a battle with his brother Seth. The Eye of Horus, often represented with a teardrop of Lapis Lazuli, symbolized healing, protection, and royal power. Lapis Lazuli was mentioned in the Book of the Dead, a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary texts. The texts described the stone's use in rites of passage into the afterlife and as an offering to the gods.
Unlike the Egyptians, who associated it with the afterlife, the Romans believed that Lapis Lazuli had aphrodisiac properties, enhancing passion and love. The powder obtained by grinding the stone was combined with liquids to create elixirs for amorous purposes.
Lapis Lazuli was ground to create ultramarine pigment, one of the most expensive and prized pigments of the Renaissance period. This vibrant pigment was used by famous Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Van Gogh's famous work "Starry Night" and Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican were painted with this pigment.
Physical properties of lapis lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is composed primarily of lazurite (aluminum sodium silicate), with inclusions of calcite (calcium carbonate), pyrite (iron disulfide), and diopside (calcium magnesium silicate), and is formed in metamorphic rocks as a result of hydrothermal alteration of carbonate rocks. It has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, is opaque, and has a density of 2,8 -3,0 g/cm³.
Lapis lazuli benefits and metaphysical properties
Also known as the stone of truth, it is considered the stone of clear and sincere communication. It is believed to help express thoughts and feelings with honesty and empathy, improving verbal and non-verbal communication.
The stone is associated with stimulating creative thinking, intuition, and problem-solving skills. Lapis Lazuli is believed to help us be more receptive to new ideas and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
Skystone is known to promote a sense of calm, relaxation, and relief from mental stress. Its energy is believed to help manage negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and fear.
Lapis Lazuli is associated with the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression. The stone is believed to facilitate connection with spirit guides and higher consciousness.
Lapis Lazuli is considered a protective stone that absorbs negative energies and provides a positive aura. It is believed to protect us from the negative thoughts of others and help us maintain a balanced mental state.
Using Lapis Lazuli in Holistic Practices
Meditation
Place a Lapis Lazuli stone on your throat chakra during meditation to facilitate focus, clarify thoughts, and amplify spiritual connection.
Hold a Lapis Lazuli stone in your hand or next to you while meditating to induce a sense of calm, inner peace, and harmony.
Visualize a blue light emanating from the Lapis Lazuli, filling your body and the surrounding space with positive energy.
Feng Shui
Place a Lapis Lazuli stone in the north area of your home to stimulate clear communication, harmony, and creativity.
Place a Lapis Lazuli stone in your office to facilitate focus, productivity, and wise decision-making.
Wear a Lapis Lazuli piece of jewelry while in stressful environments to maintain a balanced mental state.
Add Lapis Lazuli stones to a bath to relax and relieve mental and emotional stress.
Wear a Lapis Lazuli gem as a protective amulet against negative energies.
Use Lapis Lazuli in yoga or Reiki practices to stimulate energy flow and induce a state of deep calm.
Lapis lazuli zodiac meaning
Sagittarius – Lapis Lazuli is associated with the element of air, just like the Sagittarius zodiac sign. The stone’s energy is believed to stimulate optimism, sincerity, and open communication, which are important traits for Sagittarians.
Libra – Lapis Lazuli can help with the balance and harmony that Libras seek. The stone’s energy helps Libras make balanced decisions and communicate effectively in relationships.
Aquarius – Aquarians are known for their independent and creative thinking. Lapis Lazuli stimulates innovation and open-mindedness, aligning with the energy of this sign.
Pisces – Pisces is an empathetic, intuitive, and spiritual sign. Lapis Lazuli can help connect with intuition and develop spiritually.
Combining Lapis Lazuli with other crystals
For communication and clarity
Sodalite: Both stones encourage clear communication, honesty, and self-expression. Together, they can amplify these benefits.
Amazonite: The stone helps express emotions constructively and with empathy. Combined with Lapis Lazuli, it can improve interpersonal communication.
For creativity and inspiration
Amethyst: This stone stimulates imagination, intuition, and creativity. Along with Lapis Lazuli, it can help transform ideas into reality.
Citrine: The stone brings positive energy, optimism and stimulates creative flow. Combined with Lapis Lazuli, it can amplify inspiration and motivation.
For inner peace and balance
Amethyst: In addition to creativity, amethyst promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Together with Lapis Lazuli, it can create a deep state of calm and balance.
Selenite: The stone brings inner peace, purifies the aura, and reduces anxiety. Combined with Lapis Lazuli, it can enhance feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
For spiritual protection
Black Tourmaline: It is a powerful protective stone that absorbs negative energies. Together with Lapis Lazuli, it can create a protective energy shield.
Obsidian: Similar to black tourmaline, obsidian protects against negative energies and harmful thoughts. Combined with Lapis Lazuli, it can amplify the protective effect.
Care and cleaning of lapis lazuli
Physical cleaning
Lapis Lazuli can be cleaned with warm water. Avoid abrasive textures or harsh detergents. After washing, be sure to dry your Lapis Lazuli stone completely with a soft, absorbent cloth to prevent calcium deposits. Physical cleaning of your Lapis Lazuli stone may be necessary once a month or whenever it appears dirty.
Energy cleaning
Lapis Lazuli can be left in the sun for a short period (maximum 30 minutes) for energetic purification. Prolonged exposure to the sun can affect the color of the stone.
Placing the stone under the light of the full moon overnight is a gentle method of cleansing and energetic recharge.
Some people use herbal smoke such as sage or palo santo to energetically cleanse their crystals. If you choose this method, be sure to expose the stone to the smoke for a short period of time to avoid damage. Energy cleansing can be performed whenever you feel the need to recharge the stone's energy.
After physical or energetic cleansing, you can state your intention for the Lapis Lazuli stone. Hold the stone in your hand and visualize the blue light filling it, focusing on what you want to achieve with its energy.
Choose a Lapis Lazuli stone that resonates with your intuition and incorporate it into your daily routine. Wear it as jewelry, meditate with it, or place it in your workspace. Discover how its positive energy can guide and inspire you on your path to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Integrate Lapis Lazuli into your life and experience its transformative power.
