BEWIT Lapis Lazuli

LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis lazuli is a rock containing multiple minerals, usually this ancient gem contains three minerals in varying amounts: lazurite, calcite and pyrite. Sometimes it also contains one or more of the other substances – diopside, amphibole, feldspar and mica.

However, it is more or less stated that lapis lazuli is an intense blue stone made of dark blue lazurite, cloudy white calcite, sparkling pyrite and other minerals, and this beautiful mixture of textures gives lapis lazuli its distinctive appearance.

Its name was derived from the Latin word „lapis“, meaning „stone“, and from the Arabic and Persian word „lazaward“, which was the Persian name for the blue stone lapis, as well as the name of its mining site.

Its most famous source is deep in the mountains of modern Afghanistan.

Lapis is also considered a gemstone that connects the material and spiritual realms and reveals the wonders of the cosmos to those who seek its healing energy. Not known in the Czech Republic. The largest deposits abroad are in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chile, Russia, Burma, India.

BENEFITS OF LAPIS LAZULI

• From an astrological point of view, it belongs to the signs of Sagittarius and Virgo, Pisces, Capricorn and Aquarius.
• Within the chakra system – throat and forehead.
• Gives a feeling of safety and security.
• Helps break down barriers of all kinds.
• Alleviates feelings of fear and insecurity.

It is a stone of contemplation and meditation.

lapis lazuli is a stone of contemplation and meditation. The royal blue of this stone symbolises spiritual depth, awakening a love that knows no attachment, opening the soul to the infinity of the eternal universe. When we fall asleep with this stone , it evokes unearthly dreams.

Teaches intuition

It gives a sense of security, the ability to intuit, teaches to recognise the subtle signals of intuition, calms feelings of fear and insecurity.

HISTORY

In ancient times, lapis lazuli was highly prized for its beautiful colour and the valuable ultramarine dye derived from it. Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones in history, said to have been used for over 6,500 years.

Lapis lazuli was one of the most valuable stones in Egypt, sourced from 1 of the oldest mines in the world, dating back to 4000 BC and still in use today. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun was also inlaid with Lapis, as were other funerary ornaments of Egyptian kings and queens. The powder of lapis was used by Roman, Persian and Chinese women to paint their eyebrows. From the time of ancient Greece to the Renaissance, lapis was ground into a powdery, durable pigment called ultramarine, which was used to produce the intense blue colour **known from many famous oil paintings. Ultramarine blue was also used by painters to paint Mary of Nazareth's dress on the walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel and other churches.

Biblical scholars believe that references in the Old Testament to „sapphire“ are actually referring to lapis lazuli because the sapphire gemstone was not known in the Middle East at that time. Meanwhile, in South America, pre-Columbian cultures traded and warred over lapis lazuli from mines in present-day Argentina and Chile. The Sumerians believed that the spirit of their gods lived in this stone, while the ancient Egyptians saw lapis lazuli as a symbol of the night sky. Since ancient times, lapis lazuli has been associated with strength and courage, royalty and wisdom, intellect and truth. Since ancient times, lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it wards off evil. In ancient Egypt, it was powdered and worn around the eyes to improve eyesight.

SPECIFICATION

Weight approx. 100–120 g.

Sharpened to a point.

Photo is for illustration only. Each semi-precious stone is a unique original and may differ slightly in shape and texture from the photographs.