What is Lapis Lazuli?

by jake vanderwall

Before there were diamonds or sapphires, there was Lapis Lazuli. For over 6,000 years, this deep, celestial blue stone has been a symbol of royalty, honor, and gods. From the funeral mask of King Tutankhamun to the ultramarine paint used by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, Lapis is the original "Precious Stone."

1. What exactly is Lapis Lazuli?

Unlike many gemstones that are single minerals, Lapis Lazuli is actually a rock made of several different minerals. To be "Lapis," it must contain:

  • Lazurite: This provides the iconic deep blue color.

  • Calcite: The white "clouds" or streaks often found in the stone.

  • Pyrite: The "fools gold" sparkles that look like stars in a night sky.

2. The Stone of Wisdom and Truth (Meaning)

In modern times, Lapis Lazuli is known as the "Stone of Wisdom."

  • Intellectual Power: It is believed to stimulate the higher mind and enhance intellectual ability. It is a favorite for writers, journalists, and students.

  • Third Eye Chakra: Lapis is the primary stone for the Third Eye, used to sharpen intuition and help the wearer "see" the truth in any situation.

  • Communication: Associated with the Throat Chakra, it is used to help people speak their truth with confidence and clarity.

3. Lapis in History: The Blue of Kings

  • Ancient Egypt: They believed Lapis was a fragment of the starry night sky. They used it for jewelry, amulets, and even crushed it into powder for the world's first blue eyeshadow.

  • The Renaissance: Artists would grind Lapis into a pigment called "Ultramarine." It was so expensive that it was usually reserved only for the most important parts of a painting, such as the robes of the Virgin Mary.

4. Real vs. Fake: The Expert Checklist

Because high-quality Lapis is becoming rarer, "dyed" imitations are everywhere. Here is how to know you have the real deal:

  • The "Acetone" Test: Take a cotton swab with a little nail polish remover and rub a small spot on the stone. If blue color comes off on the swab, the stone has been dyed.

  • The Pyrite Test: Look for the gold sparkles. In real Lapis, the Pyrite is random and embedded deep in the stone. In fakes, the "gold" is often painted on the surface in a repetitive pattern.

  • The White Streaks: Genuine Lapis almost always has some white Calcite streaks. If a stone is a "perfect" solid blue with no variation, be suspicious—it might be synthetic.

  • Temperature: Like all natural stones, real Lapis feels cold to the touch. Plastic or resin fakes will feel warm.

Own a Fragment of the Stars

"Whether you are looking for a deep blue 'AAA' specimen or a piece with heavy gold Pyrite inclusions, Lapis Lazuli is a stone that connects you to the ancient world. It is a timeless addition to any collection."

 

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