Gemstones, Diamond,Ruby,Sapphire,Emerald,Tourmaline,Kunzite,Peridot,Tanzanite ,Topaz,Apatite,Aquamarine,Opal,Lapiz lazuli,Turquios,Amethyst,Citrine,Pearl,Agate

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli

The ancient Chinese name for lapis lazuli was "ch'iu-lin (beautiful stone)", and it was also known as "blue gold", "essence of gold", and "gold star" stone. Lapis lazuli, with its azure sky-blue color, sometimes contains scatterings of pyrite ("fool's gold"), producing the effect of a starry sky in early evening. Consequently, in ancient times, it was often considered a mineral of mysterious colors. This miniature mountain was carved from a beautiful piece of indigo lapis lazuli. Engraved on it is a poem by the Ch'ien-lung Emperor and the title "Spirit-transport Stone".

The brilliant blue color of lapis lazuli has made it a prized stone since ancient times. It is made up of multiple minerals, but the main component is lazurite. Lapis lazuli can also contain sodalite, calcite, and pyrite in larger quantites. Stones found in Chili are more likely to have more visible quantities of calcite - this accounts for the “whiteness” in the rock. Afghan specimens are well-known for their inclusion of pyrite.

Lapis lazuli has often been associated with mystery and the unknown. Many consider it to be a key used to open the door to gain access to esoteric planetary knowledge. This stone has also been called the “stone of total awareness” in that it helps expand awareness and allows for conscious attunement to the intuitive part of the mind.

In ancient times, lapis lazuli was considered a protective stone and it was worn to guard against physical danger and psychic attacks. Ancient Egyptians believe the stone to be one of great power and often set it in amulets and ornaments.

It has a hardness of 5-5.5 on the Mohrs scale and takes a polish nicely. The phrase lapis lazuli literally means “stone of azure” and has been passed down through many languages. Afghanistan and Chili are the main locales in which this stone can be found, but deposits have also been discovered in Russia, Canada, the United States, and India among other places.

Lapis lazuli is an ancient gem, and as such, has a storied history. Egyptian cultures made a practice of burying a lapis lazuli scarab with their dead, and believed it to offer protection. The very earliest cultures valued lapis lazuli more highly than gold. Greeks spoke of an ancient sapphire which was included with gold, and this was unmistakenly lapis. Some believed that dreaming of lapis would foretell love that would be forever faithful.

When working or meditating with Lapis Lazuli, it can bring matters more clearly to the mind. It is one of the most powerful stones and should be used with care. Wearing a Lapis Lazuli ring can help you to become a channel. The ancient Egyptians used Lapis Lazuli as a symbol of Truth.






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