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Home > Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Information
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Lapis Lazuli:
Lapis Lazuli deposits are found worldwide. The main areas include Afghanistan, Russia, Pakistan, Chile, Canada and the western United States. Top quality Lapis originates in regions of Afghanistan. Lapis is a combination of the mineral lazurite (25% to 40%) and other foreign minerals. Because it consists of a variety of minerals, it is no longer classified as a mineral, yet it is actually a rock. Most Lapis also contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue) and pyrite (metallic yellow or gold). Lapis is found in various shades of blue with the finest being an intense blue. The less white calcite inclusions found in the stone, the more valuable it is. Patches and specks of golden pyrite are an important factor in identifying genuine stones and do not detract from its value. Poorer quality Lapis is occassionally dyed to improve its color, but these are often a very dark blue with a noticeable grey cast. Lapis lazuli is a relatively soft stone with a rating of 5.0 to 5.5 on the mohs scale.
- Traditional birthstone for December
- Planetary stone for Capricorn
- Zodiac birthstone for Libra
- Anniversary gemstone for 7th and 9th wedding anniversaries
Myths and Therapeutic Properties
Lapis Lazuli is one of the world’s oldest gems, dating back to 7000 BC within what is modern day
Afghanistan. The royal Sumerian tombs of Ur, located in lower Iraq, were found to contain thousands of exquisitely carved Lapis animal statuettes, dishes and beads. These amazing artifacts undoubtedly came from material mined in northern Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Egyptians were know to respect lapis as a powerful gem and used it in monthly cultural ceremonies and sacrifices. The Egyptian women have also been known to use crushed and powdered Lapis as eye shadow. Lapis was known as “sapphire” in ancient times and was once referred to in the Hebrew bible as a “sapphire stone sprinkled with specks of gold”. Many medievel painters used powdered and purified lapis as paint, producing a brilliant and romantic color. Therapeutically Lapis has been used for centuries. It is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac, protect bones and thyroid, and has always been considered a powerful protector of evil, both physically and mentally.
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