Lapis Lazuli
About Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a deep celestial blue metamorphic rock containing lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, creating a stunning stone flecked with golden sparkles. Treasured since ancient times as a stone of wisdom, truth, and royalty, this powerful crystal has adorned the tombs of pharaohs and inspired artists for millennia.
Crystal Properties
- Mohs Hardness: 5-6
- Chemical Composition: (Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₁₋₂ (Lazurite with calcite and pyrite)
- Crystal System: Cubic (lazurite) - metamorphic rock
- Colour: Deep blue to azure blue with golden pyrite flecks
- Chakra: Third Eye Chakra, Throat Chakra
- Element: Water
Metaphysical Properties
Known as a stone of wisdom and truth, Lapis Lazuli enhances intellectual ability and stimulates the desire for knowledge. It's particularly valued for encouraging honest self-expression, enhancing intuition, and revealing inner truth. Many use Lapis Lazuli to access ancient wisdom, speak their truth with confidence, and deepen spiritual awareness.
How to Use Lapis Lazuli
Wear Lapis Lazuli at your throat to enhance communication and truth-telling, meditate with it on your third eye to access intuition and wisdom, place it in your workspace for mental clarity, or carry it when you need to speak your truth. Its royal energy makes it perfect for leadership and spiritual development.
Caring for Your Lapis Lazuli
- Cleansing: Not water-safe - Lapis can be damaged by water and acids. Cleanse with sound bowls, sage smoke, or moonlight only.
- Charging: Moonlight only - avoid direct sunlight which may fade the color. Place on selenite or use sound for charging.
- Storage: Moderate hardness at Mohs 5-6. Store separately wrapped in soft cloth to prevent scratching.
- Durability: Porous and can be damaged by chemicals, perfumes, and moisture. Handle gently and keep dry.
Where Lapis Lazuli is Found
Lapis Lazuli forms in metamorphic rocks through contact metamorphism of limestone. The finest quality contains rich blue lazurite with minimal calcite (white) and attractive golden pyrite flecks.
Major deposits: Afghanistan (Badakhshan - finest quality for 6,000+ years), Chile, Russia, USA (Colorado), Pakistan, and Italy.
Afghan Lapis is considered the world's finest, displaying deep royal blue with minimal calcite and beautiful golden pyrite. Chilean Lapis often has more green tones and less pyrite.
Lapis Lazuli Through History
Lapis Lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years and was one of the most prized stones in the ancient world. Ancient Egyptians used it extensively - Tutankhamun's burial mask features Lapis inlay, and Cleopatra used powdered Lapis as eyeshadow.
The ancient Sumerians believed Lapis contained the souls of deities. In Mesopotamia, it was more valuable than gold. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for jewelry and carved seals. During the Renaissance, artists ground Lapis into ultramarine pigment for painting - the most expensive and prized blue pigment.
In Buddhism, Lapis is associated with inner peace and spiritual attainment. Today, it remains a stone of wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment, valued by healers, artists, and seekers worldwide.
Astrological Connections
- Zodiac: Sagittarius (primary), also Libra and Capricorn
- Planetary: Jupiter and Venus
- Birth Stone: September (alternative birthstone)
- Numerology: Number 3 (truth and self-expression)
Crystals That Pair Well With Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli works powerfully with other wisdom and truth stones:
- Amethyst + Lapis Lazuli for enhanced intuition and spiritual wisdom
- Sodalite + Lapis Lazuli for truth and rational thought
- Azurite + Lapis Lazuli for deep psychic vision
- Turquoise + Lapis Lazuli for honest communication and protection
- Clear Quartz + Lapis Lazuli to amplify wisdom and clarity
Explore Related Crystals
Similar Wisdom & Truth Stones:
- Sodalite - Logic and truth
- Azurite - Psychic vision and insight
- Sapphire - Wisdom and royalty
- Kyanite - Truth and alignment
Throat Chakra Stones:
- Blue Lace Agate - Calm communication
- Aquamarine - Clear expression
- Turquoise - Honest communication
✨ Complete Your Crystal Collection
This crystal is featured in our True North Crystal Intention Set - a hand-curated collection of five mystical stones designed to awaken your inner truth, strengthen spiritual awareness, and guide you toward clarity and wisdom.
The True North Set includes: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Clear Quartz, Sodalite, and Iolite