Imagine a deep blue sky studded with stars, stretching as far as the eye can see. That ethereal view? It’s captured in a single, magical stone: lapis lazuli. In the mystical world of crystals and healing stones, lapis lazuli is a superstar. This tantalizing deep blue gemstone has captivated people for centuries and remains a cornerstone in the metaphysical realm. Buckle up because we’re diving deep into the ocean of the lapis lazuli meaning, its fascinating history, healing properties, and how you can harness its energy to elevate your life.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Lapis Lazuli
- Meaning Behind the Name Lapis Lazuli
- Properties of Lapis Lazuli
- Main Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
- Delving Deeper into the Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
- Lapis Lazuli Chakra Associations
- Lapis Lazuli and the Zodiac
- Ancient Uses of Lapis Lazuli
- Current Uses of Lapis Lazuli
- How to Use Lapis Lazuli
- Using Lapis Lazuli with Other Stones
- Minerology of Lapis Lazuli
- How to Care for Your Lapis Lazuli Crystal
- Lapis Lazuli FAQs
- Conclusion
Overview of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli, often simply referred to as ‘lapis,’ is a rock, not a mineral. That’s right, it’s an aggregate of several minerals, each lending unique characteristics. The mesmerizing blue color comes from lazurite, the shimmering golden flecks are pyrite, and the cloudy white calcite gives it a mystical touch. Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones used as an ornamental stone in jewelry, and it’s known for an extensive range of healing properties.
Table Summarizing the Meaning, Benefits, and Uses of Lapis Lazuli
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Wisdom, Truth, Power |
| Healing Properties | Emotional healing, Enhances intuition |
| Physical Properties | Deep blue color with gold flecks |
| Common Uses | Jewelry, meditation, feng shui |
Meaning Behind the Name Lapis Lazuli
Etymology
So, what’s in a name? The term ‘lapis lazuli’ is derived from the Latin word ‘lapis,’ meaning ‘stone,’ and the Persian word ‘lazhuward,’ which translates to ‘blue.’ Put those two together, and you have ‘blue stone.’
Legends and Folklore
In the world of legends and folklore, lapis lazuli doesn’t disappoint. It was the fifth stone in the original breastplate of the High Priest, engraved with the tribe of Issachar as mentioned in the Bible. Ancient royal families used it as a symbol of power and protection.
Symbolism and Significance of Lapis Lazuli
The deep blue color of the lapis lazuli symbolizes royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit, and vision. As a wisdom stone, lapis is all about awakening your inner truth and enhancing psychic abilities. There’s a reason this stone has been cherished by ancient Egyptians and sages throughout history.
Properties of Lapis Lazuli
Physical Characteristics
Color
When you look at a lapis lazuli stone, the first thing that strikes you is the intense blue color. It’s like gazing into a midnight sky sprinkled with stars—the golden pyrite flecks add a heavenly touch.
Hardness and Durability
In terms of durability, lapis scores a 5-5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a semi-precious stone that’s moderately hard and durable enough for everyday wear.
Texture
Smoothness, Luster, Touch
Run your fingers over this deep blue stone, and you’ll feel a unique combination of smoothness and texture. Its luster can range from dull to vitreous, and it’s a joy to touch. Just holding it can be a sensory experience that sets the stage for deeper spiritual connections.
Lapis Lazuli Metaphysical Properties
Lapis lazuli has a knack for opening up the third eye chakra, enhancing your inner intuition and wisdom. In the realm of metaphysical properties, lapis lazuli is tied to the elements of water and wind, embodying their energies.
Healing Properties
There’s no shortage of lapis lazuli healing properties. This blue rock is widely known for its emotional healing prowess, its ability to bring inner peace, and even lowers blood pressure. It connects with your throat chakra and helps with self-expression and awareness.
Main Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but what will lapis do for me?” here it is:
- Emotional Healing: Say goodbye to emotional baggage.
- Enhanced Intuition: Tune into your psychic abilities like never before.
- Wisdom: The beautiful blue stone has been a symbol of wisdom and truth for ages.
Delving Deeper into the Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
Emotional Healing
Lapis Lazuli is hailed as a powerful emotional healer. It facilitates emotional release, especially of repressed feelings, fostering a sense of tranquility and encouraging emotional honesty. It soothes restlessness, mental fog, and feelings of anxiety, bringing a sense of peace and calm to the user.
Enhanced Intuition
Often called the Stone of Wisdom, the lapis lazuli is renowned for its ability to enhance intuition. It does so by stimulating the third eye chakra, thereby sharpening the mind and encouraging a higher level of understanding. It can help you tune into your psychic abilities like never before, allowing you to gain a deeper comprehension of your inner self and your surroundings.
Wisdom
The lapis lazuli is a symbol of wisdom and truth, providing a pathway to discovering your authentic self. The stone encourages self-awareness, allowing you to reflect on your actions and experiences, which leads to better decision-making and clarity of thought. This aids in problem-solving, making it a popular stone among scholars and philosophers.
Physical Healing
Apart from emotional healing, the lapis lazuli is also known for its physical healing properties. It can help alleviate insomnia, vertigo, and boost the immune system. It is also said to be beneficial for women suffering from menstrual irregularities and helps in easing the pain during childbirth.
Spiritual Growth
In the realm of spirituality, the lapis lazuli is believed to connect the physical and celestial kingdoms. It aids in psychic communication and spiritual guidance, providing protection and serenity during meditation. It assists in spiritual growth by helping you connect to your higher self and realizing your divine purpose.
Through these various benefits, lapis lazuli serves as a tool for personal growth and transformation, fostering emotional, intellectual, and spiritual enlightenment.
Also read: What does lapis lazuli do?
Lapis Lazuli Chakra Associations
Lapis lazuli and the chakras are like a match made in heaven. While it primarily resonates with the third eye chakra, it also has a potent impact on the throat chakra. These energy centers are all about your communication, intuition, and inner truth. Lapis lazuli helps to balance and activate these chakras, allowing for a more harmonious flow of energy.
Lapis Lazuli and the Zodiac
Astrology
If you’re a firm believer in astrology, you’ll be thrilled to know that lapis lazuli has special connections to star signs. While it’s not a traditional birthstone, it’s highly recommended for Sagittarius and Libra folks. For Sagittarians, it enhances their natural intuition and thirst for knowledge. Libras will find that it aids in balancing their naturally harmonious nature.
Moon Signs
Even if you’re not a Sagittarius or Libra, don’t worry. Lapis lazuli also works beautifully according to your Moon sign. A Moon sign is your emotional persona and reveals how you react instinctively to situations. Aligning this gemstone with your Moon sign can offer personalized healing that gets right to the core of your emotional well-being.
Ancient Uses of Lapis Lazuli
Step back in time for a moment to ancient Egypt, where pharaohs, like Cleopatra, used powdered lapis lazuli as eyeshadow. Not just a cosmetic, it was considered a spiritual aid that could connect humans with gods. Even the famous death mask of Tutankhamun is inlaid with lapis. Ancient Egyptians were savvy; they were among the first to tap into the lapis lazuli healing properties. They even believed in its power to lead the soul into immortality.
In the Indus Valley Civilization, artifacts made of lapis lazuli have been unearthed, signifying its long-lasting impact across various cultures and ages.
Current Uses of Lapis Lazuli
Fast forward to today, and lapis lazuli still reigns supreme in the world of metaphysical healing. Not just limited to ornamental jewelry, it’s used in meditation, Reiki, and even feng shui. Feng shui experts recommend placing lapis lazuli in the north area of your home for career growth.
How to Use Lapis Lazuli
Wear it
If you’re going to wear lapis lazuli, know that it’s more than just an accessory. Lapis lazuli jewelry, especially necklaces and pendants that hang close to the heart, can be extremely powerful in awakening the throat chakra. So yes, you can wear lapis lazuli as a fashion statement that doubles as a spiritual tool.
Meditate
Imagine sitting in a quiet space, holding your lapis lazuli stone as you close your eyes. As you meditate, visualize its deep blue energy swirling around your third eye chakra, clarifying your thoughts and opening the door to your inner wisdom.
Place it Around the Home or Other Areas
Lapis lazuli brings such a serene and enriching vibe that you’ll want to sprinkle its goodness all around your space. You can place lapis lazuli tumbled stones in different corners of your home, focusing especially on your workspace or meditation area. It can uplift the energy and bring a sense of calm to any space.
Utilize its Qualities
If you’re facing a problem or a difficult decision, holding onto your lapis lazuli stone can help you channel its energy for clarity and resolution.
Crystal Grids
Why stop at just one stone when you can combine the energies of different crystals? Lapis lazuli works exceptionally well in crystal grids, enhancing the qualities of other stones and amplifying the energy manifold.
Also read: How to use lapis lazuli.
Using Lapis Lazuli with Other Stones
Think of lapis lazuli as that brilliant friend who plays well with others. When paired with stones like white pearl for purity or rose quartz for love, the healing properties of all involved are magnified. Place lapis lazuli in a grid with these other gems to create a well-rounded energy healing setup.
Minerology of Lapis Lazuli
Mining
The process of mining this spectacular stone is almost as mystical as the gem itself. Most of the world’s lapis lazuli is found in Afghanistan, specifically in the Sar-i Sang mines that have been operational for over 6,000 years. Yes, you read that right: 6,000 years of providing this stunning gem to the world.
Mineral Family
Lapis lazuli belongs to a varied mineral family that encompasses lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It’s this unique blend of minerals that gives lapis its iconic appearance. You’ve got the deep blue lazurite, the cloudy white calcite, and the sparkly pyrite all working in harmony to create a single, captivating stone.
What Causes Lapis Lazuli’s Appearance
That jaw-dropping deep blue color with bright gold flecks? It’s the result of the intense geological conditions the stone has been subjected to. The interplay between lazurite, pyrite, and calcite is like a geological masterpiece, and we’re here for it!
How to Care for Your Lapis Lazuli Crystal
Cleansing
Cleansing lapis lazuli isn’t just a good idea; it’s a must. To rid your gem of any stagnant energy, you can use several methods, but since it’s a softer gem on the Mohs hardness scale, be cautious. A soft cloth with a touch of mild soap in lukewarm water will do the trick without harming the stone.
Charging
To charge lapis lazuli, place it in moonlight during a full moon or near a cluster of quartz crystals. This revives the stone’s energy, making it all set to assist you on your spiritual journey.
Storage
This beautiful blue gem deserves to be treated like the precious stone it is. Store it separately from other gems to prevent scratches, and opt for a silk bag or a dedicated box. This keeps the stone’s energy pure and protects its physical integrity.
Lapis Lazuli FAQs
Is Lapis Lazuli Expensive?
Well, the real lapis lazuli, given its rich history and potent healing properties, can be on the pricier side compared to other semi-precious stones. But believe me, it’s worth every penny for the transformative experience it offers.
Can Lapis Lazuli be Fake?
Yes, fake lapis is definitely a thing. Always buy lapis lazuli from a trusted source and lookout for red flags like too vibrant a blue color, which might indicate artificial dying.
What is Denim Lapis?
Denim lapis is a lighter version of the classic deep blue lapis we all love. While not as intensely colored, it still offers a host of lapis lazuli benefits, especially in aiding communication and bringing inner peace.
Can Lapis Lazuli Lower Blood Pressure?
While there’s no scientific evidence to back this, many believers in crystal healing do claim that lapis lazuli has the ability to help lower blood pressure. However, it should not replace medical treatment.
Conclusion
From its rich history dating back to ancient royal families to its enduring relevance in modern-day metaphysical practices, lapis lazuli is truly the stone of wisdom and truth. With its myriad benefits, there’s no reason not to incorporate this deep blue wonder into your life. Whether you wear lapis lazuli, meditate with it, or even decorate your home, the transformative energies of this stone are bound to captivate your soul.
So, are you ready to explore the world with your inner truth illuminated and your third eye wide open? With lapis lazuli as your guide, the sky—or should I say, the night sky filled with shimmering celestial bodies—is the limit!