Lapis lazuli: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Meaning and Refill of the stone

Lapis lazuli is a member of the Silicate family of metamorphic rocks. The stone has a very pure color, with a touch of gold that reflects and sparkles off the stone. Lapis lazuli has a long history, and its worship is still very much alive in the world of jewelry and lithotherapy.

History of Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli takes its name from the latin "lapis" meaning "stone" and the Persian "lazhward" meaning "blue", meaning blue stone. There is also a possibility that the 2nd part of the word comes from the Arabic "azul", also meaning "blue". Lapis lazuli 's history goes back thousands of years. Already discovered over 6,000 years ago, the stone was transported along the Silk Road to Mesopotamia, where it was used to make ornaments and jewelry.

In ancient times, many civilizations were attracted by the beauty of Lapis lazuli, notably the Egyptians, who used it to make scarab- or eye-shaped amulets for protection, as well as sculptures and decorations. The royal family and the very rich adorned their finest jewels with this stone as a symbol of wealth. Finally, for the Egyptians, Lapis lazuli symbolized divine strength, power, courage and immortality.

For the Romans, Lapis lazuli was ground into powder, mixed with water and used as an aphrodisiac. However, in those days the price of the stone was exorbitant due to transport costs, and had even exceeded the price of gold. The Greeks used the stone for jewelry, painting and decorative objects.

During the Middle Ages, the stone was crushed into powder to use its pigments to dye fabric and/or paint. It was also said to protect the soul and all negative emotions (fear, envy, error...), as well as the body.

Today, the stone remains relatively expensive, but is much loved by jewelers. Lapis lazuli can also be found in works such as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or Johannes Vermeer's The Girl with the Pearl.

Origin and composition of Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli belongs to the category of metamorphic rocks, composed of lazurite, sodium particles, calcium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, chlorine and oxygen. Calcite, pyrite and sodalite are also present, but in variable quantities. Its chemical formula is (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)2, with a specific gravity of around 2.7 and 2.9.

Lapis lazuli occurs mainly in metamorphic rocks, which form under pressure and heat. The stone's colors range from ultramarine to navy blue. These differences can be influenced by the amount of pyrite in the lapis lazuli, which adds more or less golden hues.

Origin of Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is found in many countries, including Russia, Chile, Afghanistan, China and Pakistan.

Lapis lazuli's hardness is 5.5 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and Significance of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a stone of communication.

Lapis lazuli in lithotherapy

On a physical level, Lapis lazuli is a soothing, restorative stone. It can improve blood circulation, promote wound healing and also act as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain and inflammation, often in joints. The stone also supports the immune system and aids digestion.

Psychologically, Lapis lazuli is beneficial in many ways, such as meditation, improving concentration, mental clarity and, above all, self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, the stone promotes creativity and communication, and relieves bad moods and negativity such as depression and anxiety.

Please note that lithotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.

Significance of the Lapis lazuli stone

Lapis lazuli symbolizes friendship and relationships.

Lapis lazuli stone is very close to the throat chakra, improving and amplifying communication and throat problems. Not only that, it's also linked to the third eye chakra, which promotes meditation and concentration between body and mind.

It is associated with the astrological signs Aquarius, Pisces and Sagittarius. Lapis lazuli is also connected to the birth month of September, as well as to the 9th year of marriage.

Care, purification and recharging of Lapis lazuli 

To care for your Lapis lazuli stone, we suggest a few solutions:

• Clean: rinse your stone with clean water (not hot water) to remove any dust or dirt,
• Purify: place the stone in a bowl filled with salt for a few hours or under salt water for a short time, or place it next to a cluster of quartz,
• Recharging: place the stone in direct sunlight for a few hours.