LAPIS LAZULI
ORIGIN: Afghanistan (West Hindu Kush mountains), Russia (Lake Baikal area), Chile and USA.
LAPIS LAZULI is a stone of reflection and self-knowledge. The word Lapis Lazuli comes from the Latin words’ lapis for stone and ‘lazulum’ derived from the Persian word ‘lazaward’, meaning blue. The later Latin form 'lazurius' and the French 'azure' are taken, respectively, from the Persian word 'lazur' and the Arabic 'azul', each word meaning a very special colour of deep blue.
HISTORY: Lapis lazuli is an ancient gem, and as such, has a storied history. Egyptian cultures made a practice of burying a lapis lazuli scarab with their dead, and believed it to offer protection. They also used Lapis Lazuli as a symbol of truth. The very earliest cultures valued lapis lazuli more highly than gold. Greeks spoke of an ancient sapphire which was included with gold, and this was unmistakably lapis. Some believed that dreaming of lapis would foretell love that would be forever faithful.
HEALING: A stone of protection that may be worn to guard against psychic attacks. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge. Encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty, compassion and morality to the personality. Stimulates objectivity, clarity and encourages creativity. It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions. Lapis Lazuli is believed to boosts the immune system, and cooling and soothing areas of inflammation. It is used to alleviate insomnia and vertigo, and overcomes depression.
ENERGY: Inner vision, Communication and Royal virtues (giving, morality, liberality, honesty, mildness, self-restriction, non-anger, non-violence, patience, non-offensiveness).
ZODIAC: Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius.
BIRTHSTONE: September
WHEEL OF LIFE: Deep Blue - February/March - Vernal Equinox.
CHAKRA: Third Eye and Throat.
PLANET: Saturn
NUMBER: 3