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Beloved around the world, lapis lazuli is an ancient stone whose breathtaking indigo blue can be found in countless objects and works of art.
Today, this gemstone is especially popular in the world of jewelry. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of precious metals, making it possible to create an endless variety of jewelry pieces, such as the lapis lazuli ring. It can be set in silver or white gold, but also in yellow gold - creating a striking contrast with the deep blue of the lapis lazuli.
Etymologically, its name comes from the Persian "lazaward" or "lazur," meaning "blue," and "lapis," meaning "stone" in Latin.
Over the centuries, many civilizations have used this stone for a wide variety of purposes. In prehistoric times, it was used as a decorative stone. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was regarded as a sacred gem worn as an amulet by the pharaohs. It was also used to craft symbolic objects and jewelry, as well as to adorn funerary masks and tombs - it can even be found on the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun. During the Middle Ages, the stone was ground into powder to make fabric dyes, paints, and healing elixirs. This use left a lasting mark across several centuries, as the ultramarine blue pigment it yields made a major comeback in the 12th century, appearing in works by celebrated artists such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Finally, several ancient civilizations used it to carve practical and decorative objects, both for its beauty and its relatively low hardness, which makes it far more workable than blue sapphire.
From a symbolic standpoint, lapis lazuli evokes friendship and wisdom, as well as truth, good fortune, and honesty.
While it was long used in the creation of ornaments and decorative objects, lapis lazuli was most notably known for its use in paints and dyes. Today, this stone is found in a wide variety of jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, and lapis lazuli bracelets.
Lapis lazuli is a gemstone found in metamorphic contact rocks associated with limestone. The main deposits are located in the mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Very fine lapis lazuli is also found in Chile, where it is the national stone. It is additionally mined in Myanmar (Burma), Russia, Angola, Canada, and the northern United States.
Lapis lazuli is a rock belonging to the group of sulfurous aluminum and sodium silicates. It is composed of several minerals including lazurite, sodium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and sulfur. It also contains calcite, sodalite, and pyrite.
It is a stone with a cubic crystal structure whose color can range from translucent to opaque, displaying various shades of blue (dark blue, blue-mauve, blue-green) depending on the variety, owing to the presence of lazurite (25 to 40%). Some specimens also feature golden (pyrite) or white (calcite) markings.
In terms of durability, lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and a density of 2.5 to 2.9.
Beloved by many, lapis lazuli is a gemstone with a wide range of properties. It is particularly sought after in the world of meditation, as it is said to elevate consciousness, enhance clairvoyance, and serve as a conduit to higher energies. Lapis lazuli fosters self-confidence and calm, and helps those who struggle to express themselves or communicate their feelings. It also has a soothing effect and helps relieve stress. In addition, it promotes harmony in relationships with others.
On a physical level, lapis lazuli relieves cramps, helps reduce fever, calms migraines, and eases dizziness. It has highly beneficial effects on blood pressure, the respiratory and nervous systems, and blood circulation. It is also a valuable ally in fighting sore throats.
Lapis lazuli is a fragile and relatively soft stone, sensitive to impacts and chemical products. It should be handled with care and maintained regularly. Avoid exposing it to direct heat sources and do not wear it while swimming. When you're not wearing your lapis lazuli jewelry, it is best stored in a pouch or box, kept separate from other stones and jewelry.
When it comes to cleaning, it is essential to avoid all products such as dish soap or regular soap. A soft cloth - slightly damp or dry - is more than sufficient.
When purchasing lapis lazuli, it's essential to turn to a trusted retailer like Ocarat. This online jewelry store offers dozens of varied pieces (bracelets, pendants, necklaces, rings, and more) to satisfy every desire.
Ocarat also provides numerous guides and product descriptions where you can find all the information you need about the stones and jewelry available through the jewelry store.
Lapis lazuli is instantly recognizable thanks to its intense blue color, which pairs beautifully with many precious metals. Measuring its density and hardness can also help in identifying the stone.
Lapis lazuli is a delicate stone that requires careful handling. When not being worn, it should be stored away from other jewelry and stones to prevent any impacts that could damage it.
The intensity of the blue determines the value of lapis lazuli. In general, stones with a deep, uniform blue are the most valuable. Specimens featuring some golden flecks are also particularly sought after - however, these inclusions should not be too abundant. Be cautious, though, as dyes are sometimes added to enhance the color.
Buying jewelry of any kind requires some knowledge about the stone. Ocarat's online jewelry store offers a wide variety of jewelry pieces along with detailed guides, so you can shop with confidence and know you're getting a quality product.
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