Lapis Lazuli

About

More Info Lapis Lazuli is a blue metamorphic rock often fashioned into a gemstone, used as a sculpting material, pigment, and decoration since antiquity. The most sought-after specimens display vivid blue shade with yellow gold mottles of gold pyrite. This stone is associated with royalty, honor, and power. It is also thought to bring vision and direction to the leaders who bear it. Origin Afghanistan, Brazil, China, India, and Pakistan Physical Properties The blue silicate, lazurite, gives lapis lazuli its identifiable blue hue. On the Mohs scale, the hardness of this rock is between 5 to 5.5, although it depends on where the rock is tested; since it is composed of three different minerals with each having a particular density. The stone is slightly porous and often treated with dyes and wax before being sold. History During the Renaissance, it was crushed into a fine powder and used to make paint for such works spotlighting the Virgin Mary and other sacred beings with which the blue hue was associated. Ultramarine blue was the pigment used by such artists as Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Titian. Cleopatra also used this fine powder as eyeshadow, giving her an iconic look that is still remembered today. This stone has been found as far back as the Neolithic era 3000 B.C. being used as jewelry and for making ornamental objects. Metaphysical Properties Lapis lazuli is attributed to have properties that help intellectual analysis and problem solving. It promotes memory and aides in learning but also eases communication and can be used to strengthen or create relationships. This beautiful rock is composed of 3 or 4 different minerals, each of them is attributed with different metaphysical properties: Lazurite - Intuition and psychic development White calcite - Clear and cleanse Pyrite - Understanding and resolution Sodalite - Rationality and objectivity It is also thought of as a leadership stone which provides a vision for the future and overall good judgment. It also associ