Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a dark blue, micro-crystalline rock, mainly made up of the mineral lazurite, hence its name. It is often characterized by sparkly, golden inclusions of pyrite. Sometimes, the stone has a green or violet tinge and the presence of calcite can produce white streaks in the stone. The most desirable colour is intense blue, lightly flecked with gold pyrite inclusions. Lapis is only 5.5 on the Mohs' hardness scale, so should be carefully protected.

Large deposits of lapis can be found in Afghanistan, the country of its origin, and Chile. Smaller quantities are mined in Myanmar, Colorado in the United States and Siberia.

The name Lapis Lazuli is derived from different languages; ‘lapis’ meaning stone in Latin and ‘azul’ meaning blue in Arabic.

Lapis is one of the oldest known gemstones known to man, and was first mined 6000 years ago in Afghanistan. It has been used for decoration, in many forms, for thousands of years. The Egyptians ground the stone to make an early form of eye shadow. Lapis was also a favourite stone for amulets and ornaments, such as scarabs. In Renaissance paintings, lapis was ground as an ingredient in ultramarine paint, which the Old Masters used to depict the rich blues colours of sea and sky and robes of the Virgin Mary. Lapis was also believed to be a strong medicine and was used, mixed with milk, as a dressing for boils and ulcers. The Romans thought it was a powerful aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy and free the soul from error, envy and fear. In Russia, the imperial family used lapis for the columns of St. Issac’s Cathedral and wall panelling for the Pushkin Palace in St. Petersburg.

Although lapis is not an official birthstone, it is considered a stone for teachers, promoting awareness and wisdom and used to enhance creativity. Lapis can also be given as a 9th wedding anniversary stone.