Lapis Lazuli: Properties, Uses, and Crystal Healing

Lapis lazuli, often simply called lapis, is a deep blue gemstone that has captivated humanity for thousands of years. If you're exploring the world of crystals, you might find yourself drawn to its rich colour and fascinating history. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about lapis lazuli, from its properties and uses to its spiritual significance and healing potential.

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Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone prized for its intense blue colour. Its name is derived from the Latin word 'lapis', meaning 'stone', and the Persian word 'lazhward', meaning 'blue'. The defining characteristic of lapis lazuli is its rich, royal blue hue, often interspersed with golden flecks of pyrite, giving it a starry night appearance.

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It has been mined for over 6,000 years, primarily in the mountains of Afghanistan, which remain the most significant source of high-quality lapis lazuli today.

Lapis lazuli is renowned for its deep blue colour, but there’s more to this stone than meets the eye. Here are some key properties:

Lapis lazuli has been valued since antiquity. Ancient Egyptians used it for amulets and ornaments, including the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. It was also ground into powder to create ultramarine, a pigment treasured by Renaissance painters.

Lapis lazuli's uses extend far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It has practical, artistic, and spiritual applications.

Lapis lazuli has been used in jewellery, mosaics, and inlays for millennia. Its intense colour makes it a favourite for creating striking pieces. Historically, it was also used to create ultramarine pigment for paintings.

Today, lapis lazuli is used in various decorative items, from jewellery to ornamental carvings. It’s popular in both fine jewellery and bohemian styles, adding a touch of elegance and mystique.

Incorporating lapis lazuli into your daily routine can be both beautiful and beneficial. Here are a few ways to use it:

To maintain the beauty and energy of your lapis lazuli, proper care is essential.

Lapis lazuli is a relatively soft stone and should be cleaned with care. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, gently wipe it with a soft cloth. It's important to avoid prolonged exposure to water as it can damage the stone.

To keep your lapis lazuli energetically vibrant, you can cleanse and charge it under the moonlight or by placing it on a selenite plate. This is believed to recharge its energy and enhance its healing properties.

Read more about how to clean, cleanse and charge your crystals. 

Lapis lazuli is special due to its stunning blue colour and historical significance. It has been revered for millennia for its beauty and spiritual properties.

You can wear lapis lazuli every day. Its calming energy and stunning appearance make it a wonderful daily accessory. However, due to its softness, be mindful of potential scratches and impacts.

Lapis lazuli is valuable due to its intense colour, rarity, and historical significance. High-quality specimens with minimal calcite and vibrant blue hues are particularly prized.

Wearing lapis lazuli is believed to promote calm, enhance spiritual insight, and aid in effective communication. Many wearers report feeling more centred and spiritually attuned.

Real lapis lazuli will have a deep blue colour with flecks of gold (pyrite) and may show white calcite veins. It should feel cool to the touch. Synthetic or dyed stones may lack these natural variations.

Read more about how to tell if a crystal is real.

Lapis Lazuli can be worn every day, but it’s advisable to handle it with care to prevent damage. Its relatively soft nature makes it susceptible to scratches.

Lapis lazuli is thought to attract abundance and prosperity, especially in areas requiring wisdom and discernment. It’s often used in crystal grids and rituals aimed at financial success.

Sleeping with lapis lazuli is believed to enhance dream recall and spiritual insight. Placing it under your pillow can promote a peaceful night's sleep and deeper connection to your dreams.

If you're fascinated by crystals and learn more about their healing properties, consider taking the Crystal Healing Diploma Course with Centre of Excellence. This fascinating course is available at a discounted price of £29!