HISTORY AND LEGENDS OF LAPIS LAZULI :

History:

Discovered in Mesopotamia around 6000 BC, Lapis Lazuli was first called "star sapphire" in ancient times because it was often confused with Sapphire.
This first name comes from the glittering golden flakes found within it. Later, the name Lapis Lazuli was given to it in reference to its intriguing and intense colour. Indeed, "azuli" means "azure" in Latin.

Deposits and formation:

Lapis Lazuli is generally formed as a result of contact metamorphism in limestone. Its main deposits are in Afghanistan, but it can also be found in Chile, Russia, Siberia, Angola, Pakistan, Burma, Canada and the United States in the states of California and Colorado.

Legends and beliefs:

Lapis Lazuli was mainly used to decorate sacred objects. This use has given it great spiritual and mystical value over the centuries.

In Egyptian times, Lapis Lazuli was just as sacred as it was a symbol of divine power and life force. Its deep blue colour was a symbol of infinity and immortality. The Pharaohs therefore placed the natural stone cut in the shape of an eye or a scarab on their tombs.

The Romans considered the stone to be a powerful aphrodisiac and used Lapis Lazuli as an elixir to strengthen the body and mind.

Nowadays, the stone is increasingly used for art objects and the Lapis Lazuli pigment is even used for artistic canvases. An example is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which contains pigments in the ultramarine colour of the stone.

WHAT ARE THE VIRTUES OF LAPIS LAZULI?

Physic virtues:

In lithotherapy, Lapis Lazuli is used to promote inner well-being. Indeed, this natural gemstone is known to help alleviate stress, migraines and insomnia to make room for a better self-confidence. Lapis Lazuli is known to help unblock speech in cases of extreme anger and acts globally on communication skills. The stone can also help relieve stomach aches and allergy symptoms, particularly respiratory.

Mental virtues: 

On the psychological level, Lapis Lazuli clears the mind and develops clairvoyance. Stone of communication, it facilitates the exchanges and the opening of feelings by unblocking the repressed emotions. It helps shy people to express themselves without anxiety and improves relationships, whether friendly or romantic. The intense blue of Lapis Lazuli reduces stress while protecting its owner from negative thoughts. The natural stone of Lapis Lazuli, associated with the element of water, symbolises calm. It helps in emotional healing by bringing the notion of sincerity.

Which chakra is linked to the lapis lazuli stone? 

Lapis Lazuli is linked to several Chakras. First of all to the Throat Chakra. This chakra acts on communication and the notion of truth. It is also the seat of sound creativity and the expression of your emotions to the world.  Lapis Lazuli is also linked to the Third Eye Chakra which activates clairvoyance. In this sense, this natural stone helps to sort out your relationships and favours decision making.

LAPIS LAZULI: HOW TO ADOPT IT AND TAKE CARE OF IT. 

Which Lapis Lazuli to choose? 

In general, the stone chooses us! It is up to you to determine which one you like best, depending on your taste and the colours. Lithotherapy is a story of feelings. In terms of market value, lapis lazuli stones with a deep blue colour and spangles (pyrite) are more valuable. Stones with white veins (limestone) are less valuable.

Astrological correspondences:

For Lapis Lazuli, it seems that the astrological signs that have the most affinity with the stone are Taurus, Aquarius, Cancer, Libra and Aries.
Nevertheless, lithotherapy is in charge of provoking sensations and feelings: it is therefore up to each person to choose his or her stone without worrying too much about the astrological meanings and correspondences. 

Aura Bijoux and the Lapis Lazuli:

Find this beautiful natural gem in our collection of lapis lazuli jewellery.
Worn as jewellery, Lapis Lazuli spreads its energies directly to the wearer as well as to its environment.
Lapis Lazuli is best worn as a necklace to act on the throat chakra and promote its properties and benefits. Worn as earrings, the stone will act more on the third eye chakra. You can also consult our collection of rings and bracelets in natural stone to discover how to wear the Lapis Lazuli stone in all femininity. 

Purification and recharging:

Lapis Lazuli is a fragile stone, so avoid contact with water that is too salty or too hot. Nevertheless, to discharge your natural stone, you can place it under cool running water and use a soft, slightly dampened cloth to gently clean it. To recharge and purify your Lapis Lazuli, you can use the light of the full moon overnight or natural daylight. Placing your lapis lazuli stone on a cluster of quartz (rock crystal, rose quartz) will also do the trick! This technique allows at the same time to purify and recharge it.