Lapis Jewelry

Interestingly enough, Christians, Egyptians and ancient Sumerians all associated this stone with motherhood. To Christians, the stone is associated with the Virgin Mary and Jesus. In Egypt, with Isis and her child Horus.

Hindus believe Lapis Jewelry strung on gold wire and worn by children will protect them from all manners of evils, even night frights.

Christian legend says God's throne is composed of Lapis, that the 5th stone of Aaron's breastplate was Lapis.

Egyptians called the stone chesbet commonly fashioning scarabs from Lapis. The Chief Justice of ancient Egypt wore a Lapis amulet carved with the Goddess Mat (Goddess of Truth).

Thought to give wisdom and fairness to its wearer and increase spiritual love.

Lapis is associated with the 6th Chakra, or 3rd Eye. It is considered an important gemstone in subduing an overactive 6th Chakra. Thought to stimulate creativity.

Catherine The Great of Russia, had all the walls in a ballroom decorated in solid Lapis Lazuli.

Ancient Sumerians are said to believe that carrying a piece of Lapis, meant carrying a piece of the Gods.

Crushed lapis used to comprise the ancient and very valuable pigment ultramarine.

Healing Properties: Most commonly thought to bring peace and soothe depression.

Scientific Properties: Composed of Lazurite (Sodium Calcium Aluminum Sulfate Silicate) with various other minerals, such as pyrite.

Distinguished from Sodalite by its richer navy color and its invariable association with Pyrite, whereas Lazulite and Sodalite (often would-be imitators) are not associated with pyrite.

The most famous locale is in Badakshan, Afghanistan, which has been mined for over 6000 years. Other locales include Russia and Colorado in the U.S. Hardness: 5.0 - 5.5 on the Moh's Hardness Scale

Buyer Beware! True Lapis Lazuli is relatively rare and expensive--but also highly prized. So it has become one of the most faked stones of all. Firstly, a lower grade of Lapis is very frequently dyed to enhance the navy blue color. Lapis, unfortunately, does not take dye well and will easily rub off with some water and elbow grease. Fake Lapis may also be created by dying Howlite, a white stone that takes dye well. We have frequently seen Sodalite or Dumortierite sold as Lapis, however, these stones will never display the sparkling golden flecks that identify true Lapis Lazuli. The best Lapis in the world comes from Afghanistan, though as many US Military will attest--it is also frequently dyed and sold as a higher grade stone.

Disclaimer: Newage Enterprises makes no claims as to the healing properties of this gemstone. We provide information on legends surrounding this stone's mystical and healing properties which allow the informed user to make their own decision.

Copyright © 2000-2008, Newage Enterprises, all rights reserved.
This site contains copyrighted material which may not be copied, distributed or used in any way without expressed written consent.