Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock prized since antiquity for its colour, popularly featured as a semi-precious stone in jewellery and for carving.

Composed primarily of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite (calcium), it is renowned for its vibrant blue hue often speckled with golden pyrite inclusions. The highest quality stones are found in Afghanistan, with additional deposits in Chile, Russia, and Canada.

Its name originates from the Persian word for the gem, lāžward, and serves as the root for the word for "blue" in several languages, including Spanish and Portuguese azul and English azure.

As early as the 7th millennium BC, lapis lazuli was mined in the Sar-i Sang mines in Shortugai and in other mines in Badakshan province in modern northeast Afghanistan. Lapis lazuli artifacts, dated to 7570 BC, have been found at Bhirrana, which is the oldest site of  Indus Valley Civilisation. Lapis was highly valued by the Indus Valley Civilisation (3300–1900 BC). Lapis beads have been found at  Neolithic burials in Mehrgarh, the Caucasus and as far away as Mauritania. It was used in the funeral mask of Tut-ankh-amun (1341–1323 BC).

By the end of the Middle Ages, Europe began importing lapis lazuli to grind it into powder and make ultramarine pigment. Ultramarine was used by some of the most important artists of the  Renaissance and Baroque, including Masaccio, Perugino, Titian and Vermeer; it was often reserved for the clothing of the central figures of their paintings, especially the Virgin Mary.

Spiritually, Lapis Lazuli is regarded as a powerful stone of wisdom, intuition and truth, primarily used to enhance mental clarity, foster honest communication and relieve stress. It is highly prized for opening the third eye and throat chakras, aiding in emotional healing and promoting self-awareness.

Speaking Your Truth

Associated chakra: Third eye, throat

Country of origin: Egypt 

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