Lapis Lazuli - The Gemstone of Friendship and Truth

Lapis lazuli is a vibrant blue colored gemstone with gold flecks belonging to the semiprecious gemstone category. It is made up of a number of minerals including pyrite, sodalite and calcite. The name of this stone is derived from the Latin word ‘lapis’ which means ‘stone’ and the Arabic word 'azula' which means blue. This is one of the first gemstones worn as jewelry and has a history which can be traced to several thousands of years back. Lapis Lazuli stones are said to be used by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians and Romans. This stone was also used by Pharaohs in Egypt for making sculptures, jewelry and carvings. This Gemstone was used in earlier days to manufacture radiant blue watercolors, tempera or oil-paints to be used on paintings. Many pictures of the Madonna was said to be created using this paint. Cleopatra is said to have used powder lapis lazuli as eye shadow. Lapis lazuli is one of the gemstones that are used in commesso pictures. This gem is also referred to as ‘Lazurite’.

Lapis Lazuli is associated with the Planets the Zodiac Signs of Taurus and Libra. This stone is a substitute stone for Blue Sapphire and can safeguard against the adverse Saturn. It is also the birthstone for those born in the month of September and Wedding Anniversary Gemstone for the 7th and 9th years of marriage. This stone is associated with the throat and third eye chakra. Lapis Lazuli deposits are found in several places including Italy, Mongolia, Canada, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Russia, Middle East, Europe, Chile, the Soviet Union and the United States.

Lapis Lazuli is said to be a gem of love, friendship and truth as it encourages harmony in relationships and help its wearer express openly. This gemstone is said to protect its wearer from all kinds of dangers and evil. This is a protective stone for those who are accident prone. Lapis Lazuli is widely used for Healing purposes along with other stones for purifying and cleansing the body. It opens the 3^rd eye chakra and assists in balancing the throat chakra.

Lapiz Lazuli is used to treat health conditions like depression, thyroid, insomnia, blood pressure, allergies and problems associated with the eyes, throat and ears. Lapis lazuli is said to help in eliminating negative emotions. The stone is said to increase psychic abilities and promotes spirituality. This gem is also believed to promote mental clarity, creativity and awareness and is an excellent stone to be worn for people requiring communication like educators and politicians. Lapis Lazuli is known to be helpful in career success and advancement. This stone alleviates pain and is especially helpful for migraine headaches. Women suffering from pain during menstruation can also wear this stone. It is a good stone for meditation purpose.

Lapis Lazuli is a soft gemstone with only a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and can easily be scratched or chipped. The color and durability of lapis lazuli is normally improved through light heating and dyeing. However, even Water can also dissolve the stone's protective coatings. This stone should always be protected from acidic substances, household chemicals, high temperatures and too much sunlight. It is not advisable not to wear Lapiz jewelry on a daily basis as a regular wear. It is also not advisable to wear throughout the day. This stone can be cleaned using a soft dry cloth.