Well Hello There Gorgeous!!

Welcome to my latest blog, where I’ll take you on a journey through the captivating world of Lapis Lazuli, the semi-precious birthstone for September. Have you ever been mesmerised by a stone’s deep blue colour and golden flecks? That’s the magic of Lapis Lazuli. This beautiful gemstone has fascinated people for centuries, from the ancient Egyptians who adorned themselves with it to today’s jewelry enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless elegance.

In this blog, we’ll dig deep into the rich history and significance of Lapis Lazuli, uncovering its ancient roots and the role it has played in various cultures. We’ll explore its physical properties, helping you understand what makes this gemstone so unique and why it’s so treasured. You’ll also learn about the profound meanings and healing properties attributed to Lapis Lazuli, making it much more than just a pretty stone.

And let’s not forget the practical side – we’ll look at the many ways Lapis Lazuli is used today, whether in stunning jewelry pieces or as a source of inner peace and mental clarity. Whether you’re born in September or drawn to the enchanting beauty of Lapis Lazuli, this blog has something for everyone. So, let’s embark on this journey together and discover the allure of this distinctive blue semi-precious stone.

When I look at Lapis Lazuli, its various hues remind me of the colours you see when you look at those old photos of Earth taken from Apollo 17 in 1972.

FUN FACT: Lapis Lazuli is the official semi-precious birthstone of September and is most beneficial to those born under the Sagittarius Star Sign (Nov 23 – Dec 21) but is also relevant to the Pisces, Capricorn and Aquarius Star Signs. 

It is the traditional semi-precious gemstone gift for someone who is celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary.

The History & Significance of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli has a history as rich and vibrant as its colour. Imagine wearing a gemstone that ancient Egyptians once cherished, using it in their jewelry, amulets and even in the famous death mask of Tutankhamun. They believed this stunning blue stone had protective powers, guarding them against evil spirits.

But the love for Lapis Lazuli didn’t stop with the Egyptians. In ancient Persia, Lapis Lazuli was thought to fend off the evil eye and bring good fortune. The Greeks and Romans were also captivated by this stone, using it to create beautiful jewelry and intricate carvings.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages and Lapis Lazuli was still stealing the spotlight. Artists would grind it into a fine powder to create ultramarine, a pigment more valuable than gold. This vivid blue colour adorned the robes of the Virgin Mary in religious paintings, symbolising purity and divine grace.

This gemstone’s allure spanned across various ancient cultures, each attributing different meanings and significance to it. It even makes an appearance in the Old Testament, where it’s often referred to as a blue sapphire. Throughout history, Lapis Lazuli has been a symbol of honour, power and spiritual enlightenment.

Today, Lapis Lazuli continues to enchant people around the world. Whether it’s the stone’s rich history or the striking beauty of its deep blue hue with golden flecks, it remains a popular choice for jewelry and decorative pieces. From Lapis Lazuli gemstone necklaces to beautiful earrings, the stone’s versatility in jewelry making is remarkable. If you’re drawn to its historical significance or love its timeless elegance, Lapis Lazuli is sure to captivate and inspire you.

The Physical Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a fascinating gemstone, both for its appearance and its composition. This deep blue semi-precious stone is actually a rock consisting of lazurite, which is the primary mineral responsible for its intense colour. But that’s not all – it also contains Calcite and Pyrite, adding to its unique charm. The white Calcite often appears as white streaks, while the Pyrite gives the stone its characteristic golden flecks.

Interestingly, Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock. This means it forms under intense heat and pressure, typically found in limestone deposits. The best quality Lapis Lazuli has a uniform deep blue colour, sometimes referred to as a “royal blue,” and minimal Calcite inclusions. However, depending on the specific mineral composition, some variations can include greenish-blue hues.

When it comes to its use in jewelry, the stone size and shape can vary greatly. You’ll find everything from large, bold pieces to delicate Lapis Lazuli inlays. The gemstone is often cut into cabochons – smooth, rounded stones perfect for rings, necklaces and earrings. Its relatively moderate hardness means it needs a bit of care to avoid scratches but is durable enough for everyday wear.

Lapis Lazuli is also a very popular choice for DIY jewelry and crafting. Whether you’re purchasing a pendant or looking for earring-making beads, this versatile stone can add a touch of elegance and history to any design. It’s often paired with other semi-precious gemstones like Rose Quartz or Green Onyx to create stunning, multi-stone pieces.

With its rich history and beautiful appearance, Lapis Lazuli remains one of the most important opaque gemstones in the world. Its unique combination of minerals and distinctive blue colour makes it an obvious choice for anyone interested in fine jewellery or unique jewelry designs.

The Meaning & Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is so much more than just a beautiful gemstone; it’s a stone brimming with deep meaning and powerful healing properties. 

Often associated with the throat chakra, Lapis Lazuli promotes effective communication and self-expression. If you’ve ever felt tongue-tied or struggled to convey your thoughts, wearing Lapis Lazuli might help clear those blockages and allow your voice to be heard.

Throughout history, this deep blue stone has been considered a symbol of wisdom, truth and enlightenment. The ancient Egyptians even used Lapis Lazuli to create eye shadow, believing it could connect them to the divine and enhance their spiritual insight. This idea of spiritual connection persists today, with many people using Lapis Lazuli in meditation practices to achieve mental clarity and inner peace.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Lapis Lazuli is its ability to foster a deeper understanding of yourself. This stone is thought to encourage self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to discover your own power and embrace who you truly are. It’s no wonder that Lapis Lazuli is often used in practices that aim to enhance personal growth and spiritual development.

Lapis Lazuli’s healing properties also extend to physical well-being. It’s believed to alleviate headaches, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Some people even use it to support better sleep and alleviate symptoms of insomnia, making it a versatile stone for both emotional and physical healing.

Incorporating Lapis Lazuli into your daily life can be as simple as wearing Lapis Lazuli jewelry or keeping a piece of the stone in your pocket. This semi-precious gemstone’s calming energy can bring a sense of serenity and balance, helping you navigate the stresses of everyday life with a clearer mind and a more centred spirit. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, its stunning beauty, or its profound healing properties, Lapis Lazuli is a gemstone that offers something for everyone.

How Lapis Lazuli is Used

Lapis Lazuli’s stunning beauty and rich history make it a favourite in various applications, from jewelry to home décor. Its deep blue colour with shimmering Pyrite inclusions is simply irresistible, making it a standout choice for someone looking to add a touch of elegance to their collection.

In the world of jewelry, Lapis Lazuli is incredibly versatile. You’ll find it in everything from Lapis Lazuli gemstone necklaces to earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings. Jewelry designers love its vibrant colour and the way it pairs beautifully with metals like sterling silver and stainless steel. Whether you prefer a minimalist piece or something more elaborate, there’s a Lapis Lazuli jewelry design for every style. The stone is also popular for use in DIY jewelry projects, allowing crafters to create their own unique pieces.

But the use of Lapis Lazuli goes beyond just jewelry. This semi-precious gemstone has been used for centuries in various forms of art and decoration. In ancient times, it was ground into a fine powder to create ultramarine pigment for paintings, a practice that continued through the Middle Ages. Today, you can find Lapis Lazuli inlays in furniture, mosaics and even in small decorative items like trinket boxes and vases.

For those interested in the metaphysical properties of Lapis Lazuli, the stone is often used in meditation and healing practices. Its association with inner peace, mental clarity and spiritual growth makes Lapis a popular choice for crystal grids and chakra balancing. 

Many people keep a piece of Lapis Lazuli in their home or workspace to promote a calm and harmonious environment.

When purchasing Lapis Lazuli, it’s essential to consider the stone’s quality. Look for stones with a deep, uniform blue colour and minimal white Calcite or greenish blue inclusions. The presence of Pyrite is a good indicator of authenticity, adding those beautiful metallic specks that enhance the stone’s appeal. Whether you’re buying a finished product like a Lapis Lazuli pendant or loose gemstones for a DIY project, ensure you’re getting a fair price by comparing different sellers and checking for real photographs of the items.

Incorporating Lapis Lazuli into your life, whether through beautiful jewelry or as a tool for meditation, offers a connection to its rich history and the numerous benefits it’s believed to provide. From ancient times to the present day, this distinctive blue semi-precious stone continues to enchant and inspire.

Some of Lapis Lazuli’s Health Benefits Include…

(FYI, this is in no way intended to replace medication &/or the care of a licensed healthcare professional)

• Helps your respiratory & nervous system
• Relieves general pain & inflammation
• Lowers your blood pressure
• Helps quiet depression

5 Interesting Facts about Lapis Lazuli…

1. It was used as the eyebrows & in the collar on King Tut’s famous gold mask
2. Lapis Lazuli is heavily favoured in Men’s jewelry
3. Used for protection against stress & psychic harm
4. If the colours are too bright in this stone, it’s a fake
5. Lapis Lazuli is a gemstone that is usually much heavier than its imitators

Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli jewelry is widely available at jewelry stores and online retailers. 

Here’s a quick link to the One Zero Eight Shop for these amazing Lapis Lazuli pieces…Simple Lapis Earrings…Deluxe Lapis Earrings…Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

It can come in a variety of styles and price points, from simple stud earrings to elaborate necklaces and bracelets. 

You can also buy Lapis Lazuli jewelry from local artisans at craft fairs and such, but you’ll have to be on the lookout for fake Lapis Lazuli. 

How to Identify Imitation Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful blue gemstone that has been used in jewelry and other decorative objects for thousands of years. Unfortunately, due to its high value, there are many imitations of Lapis Lazuli available in the market. 

Imitation Lapis Lazuli is usually Sodalite, Azurite, Calcite or even dyed Howlite.

Here are a few tips to help you identify imitation Lapis Lazuli.

To begin your investigation, observe the colour of the stone. Genuine Lapis Lazuli has a deep, intense blue colour with flecks of gold-coloured pyrite. 

It contains no natural patterns and has random veining in it.

If the stone is a lighter blue or lacks the golden flecks (Pyrite is impossible to fake), it is likely an imitation. 

Next, check for any visible cracks or irregularities. Real Lapis Lazuli is a relatively soft stone and can easily develop cracks or chips. If the surface seems too smooth or perfect, it may not be genuine. 

Lapis Lazuli has an opaque appearance and remains cool to the touch for a long period of time. 

If you want to see if you are holding an imitation Lapis, rub the surface with a Q-tip that has a wee bit of nail polish remover (acetone) on it. If it’s an imitation stone, the dye will come off onto the Q-tip.

You can avoid purchasing imitation Lapis Lazuli by following these simple tips and ensuring that you are getting a high-quality gemstone.

How to Care for Lapis Lazuli Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli is a relatively soft stone, meaning it can scratch and chip easily. To care for Lapis Lazuli jewelry, you should try to avoid wearing it during activities that could cause it damage such as sports or household chores.

Additionally, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or high temperatures and clean it regularly with a soft cloth. For more information on caring for your gemstone jewelry, try reading The 5 Best Ways to Take Care of Your Gemstone Bracelets OR The Essential Guide to Cleansing Your Gemstone Bracelets.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lapis Lazuli

Q: What is Lapis Lazuli?

A: Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock that has been sought for centuries for its intense colour and beautiful appearance. It is mostly made up of the mineral called lazurite, along with several other minerals such as calcite and pyrite. (Both of which are very distinguishable on the surface of the gemstone.)

Q: Where is Lapis Lazuli found?

A: Lapis Lazuli is found primarily in Afghanistan, but it can also be found in other parts of the world such as Chile, Russia, and Canada. However, the highest quality Lapis Lazuli typically comes from Afghanistan.

Q: What is Lapis Lazuli used for?

A: Lapis Lazuli has been found in jewelry, decorative objects, and even as a pigment for painting for centuries. In addition to its aesthetic uses, Lapis Lazuli has also been used for its healing properties and is believed by some to have spiritual significance.

Q: What makes Lapis Lazuli valuable?

A: The value of Lapis Lazuli is primarily based on its colour and quality. The most valuable Lapis Lazuli is a deep, rich blue with minimal pyrite inclusions. The stone’s rarity and cultural significance also contribute to its value.

Q: Where can I buy Lapis Lazuli beads?

A: You have several choices on where to buy Lapis Lazuli; be it beads, jewelry or home décor. You can shop online (I use Pandahall.com, LBeads.com, ibeadcanada.com and when I’m in a hurry, Amazon) or a speciality gemstone store. 

Lapis Lazuli is more than just a semi-precious gemstone; it’s a piece of history, a tool for healing and a symbol of timeless beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its deep blue intense colour, its shimmering Pyrite inclusions, or its rich cultural significance, there’s no denying the allure of this remarkable stone.

As the September birthstone, Lapis Lazuli holds a special place in the hearts of those born in the month of September. Its status as an alternative birthstone adds to its charm, offering a unique option compared to more common stones like Sapphire. The rewards of these intense Lapis Lazuli gemstones are not just in their beauty but also in their historical significance, having been cherished since the time of ancient Persia and even used in Tutankhamun’s death mask.

Lapis Lazuli is also particularly beneficial for the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarians are known for their adventurous spirit and quest for truth, making Lapis Lazuli a perfect companion to enhance their natural inclinations towards wisdom and self-discovery. This gemstone can help Sagittarians tap into their inner strength, promote mental clarity, and encourage honest communication.

In the world of jewelry, Lapis Lazuli is incredibly versatile. You’ll find it in various styles, from Lapis Lazuli gemstone necklaces to sterling silver rope chains with adjustable-length end pieces. Whether you’re purchasing a pendant or looking for earring-making beads, this gemstone is popular today for its elegance and the way it complements other stones like black onyx. Its use in DIY jewelry projects is also widespread, with natural Lapis Lazuli round flat calibrated cabochons and hexagon-shaped flat gemstones being perfect for creating unique pieces.

Lapis Lazuli’s healing properties are another reason to love this stone. It’s associated with the throat chakra, promoting effective communication and self-expression. It’s also believed to bring mental clarity and inner peace, making it a perfect addition to meditation practices and crystal grids.

Incorporating Lapis Lazuli into your life, whether through beautiful jewelry or as a tool for meditation, offers a connection to its rich history and the numerous benefits it’s believed to provide. From ancient times to the present day, this distinctive blue semi-precious stone continues to enchant and inspire. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful Easter gift, a unique piece for your birthstone collection or simply a beautiful stone to wear, Lapis Lazuli is a perfect treat that will captivate and inspire you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the world of Lapis Lazuli. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this incredible gemstone and feel inspired to explore its many uses and benefits. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with Lapis Lazuli, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy exploring!

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