Lapis Lazuli
Key Words:
Aids in discovering inner truth · Identifies inner power · Helps communication · Aid with clarity of thought · Helps with active listening
Lapis lazuli, also known simply as "lapis," is a blue metamorphic rock that has been used by people as a gemstone, sculpting material, pigment, and ornamental material for thousands of years. High quality lapis lazuli can be a costly gem. The most desirable specimens have a rich, solid blue color and perhaps a few reflective pieces of gold pyrite.
Unlike most other gem materials, lapis lazuli is not a mineral. Instead, it is a rock composed of multiple minerals. The blue color of lapis lazuli is mainly derived from the presence of lazurite, a blue silicate mineral of the sodalite group.
In addition to lazurite, specimens of lapis lazuli usually contain calcite and pyrite. Sodalite, hauyne, wollastonite, afghanite, mica, dolomite, diopside, and a diversity of other minerals might also be present. To be called "lapis lazuli," a rock must have a distinctly blue color and contain at least 25% blue lazurite.
Calcite is often the second most abundant mineral present in lapis lazuli. Its presence can be very obvious, appearing as white layers, fractures, or mottling. It can also be finely intermixed with lazurite to produce a rock with a faded denim color.
Pyrite usually occurs in lapis lazuli as tiny, randomly spaced grains with a contrasting gold color. When abundant, the grains can be concentrated or intergrown into distinct layers or patches. It can occasionally occur as a fracture-filling mineral.
In Biblical times the word "sapphire" was often used as a name for lapis lazuli. For that reason, many scholars believe that at least some of the references to sapphire in the Bible are actually references to lapis lazuli. Some modern translations of the Bible use the word "lapis" instead of "sapphire."
Lapis has the ability to quickly release stress and brings feelings of deep peace.
It brings harmony to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels, helping to prevent depression, dis-ease, and lack of purpose.
Encouraging self-awareness and inner truth, lapis lazuli invites you to take charge of your own life.
It also aids in communication—especially when anger or fear has suppressed your voice. It emphasizes honesty and compassion as valuable personal qualities.
Lapis also acts as a thought amplifier. The vibrations stimulate the higher thought faculties of the mind, allowing objectivity and clarity where there once was confusion.
Acting within the throat area, it helps you express your opinions and also supports the value of active listening—truly hearing others and asking thoughtful questions to foster harmony during conflict.
In love and friendships, it helps express emotions and feelings more openly and authentically.
Carry a piece in your purse, pocket, or wear it as a bracelet to keep its energy close when conflict arises or when you're working to communicate more clearly.
You can also place a tower or larger piece in your office or work area to help with communication, truth-speaking, and clarity of thought.
