Lapis Lazuli Stone - 7 Outstanding Benefits

Lapis Lazuli Stone : Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense colour. It has been used in jewellery, carvings, ornaments, and even pigments for paintings. Here’s some more information about lapis lazuli:

Composition: Lapis lazuli primarily consists of the mineral lazurite, along with calcite, sodalite, and pyrite. The deep blue colour is mainly due to the presence of lazurite.

Colour and Appearance: Lapis lazuli typically exhibits a deep blue colour, often with gold flecks of pyrite and white streaks of calcite. The intensity and shade of blue can vary depending on the quality and composition of the stone.

Historical Significance: Lapis lazuli has a rich history, particularly in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was highly prized for its vibrant colour and was often used in jewellery, amulets, seals, and decorative objects. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to have magical and protective properties.

Symbolism: Lapis lazuli has been associated with royalty, power, wisdom, and truth throughout history. In various cultures, it has been used as a symbol of gods, spirituality, and the heavens.

Uses: Apart from being used in jewellery and ornaments, lapis lazuli has been ground into powder to make ultramarine pigment, which was highly valued by Renaissance and Baroque painters for its vivid blue colour. It has also been used in traditional medicine and as a spiritual stone in various practices.

Occurrence: Lapis lazuli is found in several regions around the world, including Afghanistan (where some of the finest quality lapis lazuli comes from), Chile, Russia, Myanmar, and the United States.

Value and Quality: The value of lapis lazuli depends on factors such as colour, clarity, and the presence of desirable inclusions like pyrite. Stones with intense blue colour, minimal calcite streaks, and abundant pyrite are considered more valuable.

Lapis Lazuli Stone Benefits

Lapis lazuli is believed by some to offer a range of metaphysical and healing benefits, although it’s important to note that these claims are not scientifically proven. Here are some of the purported benefits associated with lapis lazuli.

Promotes Inner Peace and Serenity: Lapis Lazuli Stone is said to help calm the mind and promote a sense of inner peace and tranquillity. It is believed to assist in relieving stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, allowing for greater mental clarity and emotional balance.

Enhances Communication: This stone is often associated with the throat chakra, and it is believed to stimulate clear communication and self-expression. It may help individuals speak their truth with confidence and authenticity, as well as improve interpersonal communication.

Boosts Wisdom and Intuition: Lapis Lazuli Stone is thought to enhance intellectual abilities, stimulate the mind, and promote wisdom and understanding. It is believed to encourage the pursuit of knowledge and insight, as well as enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.

Aids in Spiritual Growth: Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of enlightenment and spiritual growth. It is believed to facilitate spiritual journeying, meditation, and the exploration of higher consciousness. Some people use lapis lazuli to connect with their inner divinity and higher self.

Supports Healing and Well-being: Lapis lazuli is sometimes used for its purported healing properties. It is said to support physical healing, particularly of the throat, thyroid, and respiratory system. Additionally, it may aid in alleviating insomnia, headaches, and other physical discomforts.

Promotes Creativity and Inspiration: Lapis lazuli is believed to stimulate creativity, imagination, and inspiration. It may help artists, writers, and creative individuals access their creative potential and express themselves more freely.

Protective Properties: In various cultures, lapis lazuli has been considered a protective stone that wards off negative energy, psychic attacks, and electromagnetic pollution. It is believed to create a shield of spiritual protection around the wearer.

Balances Energies: Lapis lazuli is thought to balance the energies of the body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall harmony and well-being. It is said to align the chakras and facilitate the flow of energy throughout the body.

Lapis Lazuli Stone Price

The price of lapis lazuli can vary widely depending on several factors including quality, colour, clarity, size, and origin. Here are some general guidelines regarding the price range of lapis lazuli.

Quality: The quality of lapis lazuli is primarily determined by the intensity and uniformity of its blue colour, the presence and distribution of golden pyrite flecks, and the absence of calcite streaks. Stones with a deep, vibrant blue colour and abundant, well-distributed pyrite are considered higher quality and typically command higher prices.

Colour: Intense, vivid blue lapis lazuli with minimal calcite streaks is the most desirable and valuable. Stones with paler blue hues or noticeable white streaks may be less expensive.

Clarity: Lapis lazuli can range from opaque to semi-translucent. Stones with greater clarity and translucency may be priced higher than those with more opaque appearances.

Size: Larger lapis lazuli stones are generally more expensive than smaller ones, all other factors being equal.

Origin: Lapis lazuli from certain sources may be more highly prized than others. Historically, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, particularly from the Sar-e-Sang mines, has been considered some of the finest quality and commands higher prices. Other sources of lapis lazuli include Chile, Russia, Myanmar, and the United States.

Natural, untreated lapis lazuli is typically more valuable than treated stones. Some lower-grade lapis lazuli may be dyed or stabilized to enhance its color or stability, which can affect its price.

In general, prices for lapis lazuli can range from a few dollars per carat for lower-quality stones to several hundred dollars per carat or more for high-quality, fine-grade specimens. Large, high-quality lapis lazuli cabochons or beads can also command significant prices depending on their size and characteristics.

It’s advisable to purchase lapis lazuli from reputable dealers who can provide information about the stone’s quality, origin, and any treatments it may have undergone. Additionally, factors such as market demand and availability can influence prices, so it’s a good idea to research current market trends before making a purchase.

Lapis Lazuli Stone Astrological Benefits

In astrology and metaphysical practices, lapis lazuli is associated with several beneficial properties and is believed to correspond to certain zodiac signs and planets. Here are some of the astrological benefits attributed to lapis lazuli:

Zodiac Signs: Lapis lazuli is commonly associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius. It is believed to resonate particularly well with individuals born under these signs, enhancing their strengths and mitigating their weaknesses.

Planetary Influence: Lapis lazuli is often associated with the planet Jupiter, which is associated with expansion, wisdom, and higher knowledge. As such, wearing or using lapis lazuli is thought to amplify the positive influences of Jupiter in one’s life, promoting growth, abundance, and spiritual insight.

Intellect and Wisdom: In astrology, lapis lazuli is believed to stimulate intellectual pursuits, enhance mental clarity, and promote wisdom and understanding. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge, engage in deep thinking, or pursue academic or spiritual studies.

Emotional Balance: Lapis lazuli is associated with emotional healing and balance, helping to soothe turbulent emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote inner peace and serenity. It is believed to facilitate emotional expression and release, allowing individuals to process and overcome emotional challenges.

Spiritual Growth: Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It is believed to aid in meditation, spiritual exploration, and the pursuit of higher consciousness. Individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual practice or connect with their inner wisdom may find lapis lazuli beneficial.

Protection and Grounding: While lapis lazuli is primarily associated with higher chakras and spiritual energies, it is also believed to provide protection from negative influences and psychic attacks. It may help shield individuals from harmful energies while promoting a sense of grounding and stability.