Lapis lazuli bracelet Afghanistan AA (5-6mm balls)

Lapis lazuli is one of the stones with the most legends and myths surrounding it. The first traces of this fabulous blue stone date back to at least 7,000 BC.

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock with variations in composition. Belonging to the silicate family, lapis lazuli is composed of limestone and approximately 20 to 40% lazurite. It is this presence of lazurite that gives the stone its beautiful deep blue color.

Furthermore, it also contains veins of pyrite, which give it a yellow sheen. This pyrite has sometimes been mistaken for gold. Sodalite, calcite, and augite are also present in this stone.

Lapis lazuli has a low hardness, ranging from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has a hardness of 10 on the same scale.

Lapis lazuli is a magnificent blue stone. The fewer pyrite veins or calcite chips it contains, the more valuable it is.

The name of this stone comes from the Latin “lapis” meaning stone and “lazuli” meaning azure. Literally, the translation of its name is “azure stone.” However, the stone has had other names.

It has even been confused with sapphire. The greatest geologists and naturalists have made this mistake. This is the case for Theophrastus (371-288 BC), Greek philosopher and naturalist, Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), Roman naturalist writer, and Georgius Agricola (1494-1555), father of mineralogy and metallurgy. The latter evoke a star sapphire because of its magnificent blue and golden spots.

Many archaeological sites have revealed the existence of this stone dating back to 7,000 BC. Numerous artifacts, jewelry, amulets, and daggers have been discovered. It appears that this incredible stone was traded between Afghanistan, Mesopotamia, and Egypt.

During the Bronze Age (2700 to 900 BC), lapis lazuli was nicknamed “the stone of stones” by the Sumerians. Superb artifacts have been found in the tombs of the Royal Cemetery of Ur in Iraq and in the Royal Palace of Ebla in Syria. It evokes the celestial vault and was reserved for the elite, princes, and gods.

In the Near East and Egypt, all sorts of objects were then made (animal statuettes, seals, amulets, and jewelry). Lapis lazuli then became a stone with powerful virtues. Stronger than evil, this stone is the symbol of perfection. It became the embodiment of spiritual, political, and physical power. Then, it was used to represent the eyes of the deities. Moreover, the mask of Tutankhamun has lapis lazuli inlaid at the eyebrows.

The Romans attributed aphrodisiac benefits to it and used it as an antidote to insect and snake bites and stings. Crushed, this stone is used as a cosmetic.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was ground to make ointments with powerful healing properties. As early as 1400, lapis lazuli was used as a pigment for painting. It can be found in the sky of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. This pigment is relatively expensive, so it was replaced by a synthetic pigment in the 19th century.

Today, this lapis lazuli pigment is still available and can fetch prices of €20,000 per kg. The price varies depending on its quality and origin.

The main deposits are located in Afghanistan, Egypt, etc.

Lapis lazuli is a stone of openness to others. It develops communication and facilitates friendly exchanges. It thus helps one overcome shyness. It encourages one to express themselves without restraint, without fear of reproaches or criticism.

This stone provides the confidence needed to take control of one's life and no longer be dominated by anyone. It restores self-confidence and leads to emotional healing.

Blue represents serenity: this stone brings calm, represses negative emotions, and fights stress. Lapis lazuli helps combat anxiety, buried fears, and past trauma. It is recommended during periods of intense sadness.

Lapis lazuli is a stone of intellectual and artistic stimulation. It develops imagination, ingenuity, and creativity. Therefore, it is ideal for anyone who needs to create (artists, writers, authors, composers, etc.).

This stone allows its wearer to radiate tenderness, kindness, and happiness. It facilitates introspection and helps identify psychological issues. It gives the strength to combat the hidden causes of the discomfort felt.

Lapis lazuli is a valuable aid during difficult times, such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, job dismissal, etc.