Lapis lazuli is a millenary stone composed of 25% to 40% of lazurite, it also contains other minerals such as sodalite, hauyna, calcite and pyrite. It has a characteristic blue color and its name comes from the Arabic word used for the blue color. It is not considered a mineral but a rock instead.
It is a quite affordable stone due to its carat weight and it is very popular with a cabochon. It is frequently used for making jewelry such as rings, bracelets and pendants. It is often seen mounted in silver.
It’s a pretty soft rock, classifying its hardness between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, it is sensitive to strong pressure, as well as high temperatures and chemical products used at home. The lapis lazuli is an opaque stone, with a vitreous and fatty luster. Its cut is diverse and can be found in different shapes.
This beautiful stone can be found in different shades going from blue to violet or greenish blue. Its color is due to the presence of sulfur in its composition. In higher-quality stones the color is uniform, although it is usually stained. Its color can be improved through light and tint heating.
Other minerals influence its color, pyrite gives it a golden reflection, although the high presence of the mineral gives it a greenish tone. Calcite can be seen in the form of veins or patches in a darker blue shade, although if it predominates in the rock, the tone will be light blue. Experts say that the least amount of calcite present in its composition, the higher the value.
For over 6,000 years, large deposits of this stone have been exploited and the older ones are found in the Hindu-Kush Western Mountains, in Afghanistan, where the best quality stones are obtained. However, there are also deposits in Germany, Angola, Canada, Chile, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia and the United States
In prehistory, this stone was used in jewelry. While in the Middle Ages, it was used to produce a blue pigment which was used for paintings or to dye fabrics. In the Middle East and Europe we can see palaces, churches and mosques with wall panels and columns inlaid with lapis lazuli.
It symbolizes truth and friendship, and it is believed to have the property of promoting harmony in all kinds of relationships. In ancient times and in the Middle Ages, people had the belief that the cosmos was reflected in precious stones
It is also believed to have healing properties, although this has not been proven. Historically, it has been used by shaman healers and medical men. In alternative medicine, it is used to heal the Chakra of Communication and as an activator of the psychic centers in the third eye.
ALFA