Lapis lazuli (or simply called lapis) is a very well-known and prized stone since ancient times. The color of lapis lazuli is a deep blue, almost always coupled with flecks of other minerals, usually calcite and pyrite. The main component of lapis lazuli is lazurite, which gives it its deep blue color. Lapis lazuli is only found in masses (although lazurite crystallizes into dodecahedral crystals), and then cut and polished into ornaments or jewelry, such as pendants and bracelets.

The main sources of lapis lazuli are in central Asian countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, although smaller sources are located in Chile, the United States, and Canada. The most prized lapis comes from Afghanistan though. Most common forms of lapis lazuli right now are in tumbled polished form.

Many ancient civilizations held lapis lazuli in high esteem, and it was a sacred stone for them. The early Babylonians, Assyrians, Sumerians, Egyptians, and the Indus Valley civilizations of North India all prized lapis lazuli, where it was used for jewelry, amulets, seals, and ornaments. Lapis lazuli is even mentioned many times in the Bible, although it was called “sapphire” there (which was an unknown mineral until the time of the Roman Empire). During the Renaissance, painters used powdered lapis lazuli as a blue pigment called ultramarine – Artists should be familiar with ultramarine as a form of rich, deep blue, quite unlike any other shade of blue!

Just by looking at it, lapis lazuli reminds one of a “starry, starry night”, decked full of stars and the Milky Way. Mystics believe the stone represents a connection between this physical world and the heavenly realms. Its deep blue color is highly conducive to clearing and enhancing the throat chakra area and even extends into the Third Eye chakra. In fact, you can place a lapis on your Third Eye to help provide more insight into your dreams. Lapis increases the wisdom required to understand esoteric and spiritual issues.

Lapis stimulates your communicative abilities, and increases clarity and awareness of your own being, both spiritual and physical. It helps one to become more organized in matters relating to everyday tasks, even though they may be mundane tasks. Lapis also helps one to overcome depression and encourages the realization that the infinite universe is far greater than any obstacle or problem we may be having at the present time.

Not only does lapis lazuli help in awareness, but it also enhances connection and balance between the yin and yang energies within and without, thus enhancing relationships between opposite sexes as a result. It also protects one from danger, both on the physical and spiritual planes (psychic attacks). Due to its ability to absorb and neutralize negative energy, periodic cleansing of the stone should be conducted, from time to time.

Lapis lazuli has been used to treat disorders connected to the throat chakra area, such as sore throats. It enhances the functions of the thymus and immune systems. When placed under a pillow, lapis lazuli aids in sleeplessness and insomnia. It is a good stone for regenerating the body, specifically issues related to cellular and DNA damage, and can be used to rejuvenate the cells again. Being a blue stone, lapis is good for the organs that relate to communication, such as the throat, mouth, and ears; it has been used to help with hearing loss and heal the eardrum. Meanwhile, the crystalline form of lapis, namely lazurite, has been used to further heal muscular and skeletal issues.