A rich blue hue, golden blotches, magical and healing properties, an ancient history dating back millennia - all this can rightfully be said about the mineral, whose name is lapis lazuli stone. The ancients said that he is the starry sky that fell to Earth. The analogy is read especially in those cases when veins of white marble are observed in the stone.
The origin story goes back to antiquity. Many legends and beliefs have survived to this day.
Every person can afford jewelry made of semi-precious stone today, but in ancient times it was considered precious and was intended only for emperors and nobility.
In this review, we will consider what lapis lazuli is, what are its properties, meaning, where such an amazing shade came from, what signs of the zodiac it suits.
What is this stone
Lapis lazuli belongs to the semi-precious stones of the XNUMXst order. It is valued for its decorative qualities: an unusual rich blue tone, golden blotches add originality and showiness, one cannot but feel the special power and magic of the stone.
It's not a gem. It is found in veins or as inclusions in other rocks, in most cases in granite. It is very rare to find lapis lazuli in the form of small crystals.
In addition to the well-known name "Lazurite", there are several more:
- Azure stone.
- Lapis - azure.
- Lazurik.
- Bukhara.
- Heavenly.
- Lazhward.
A stone has been called lapis lazuli only since the XNUMXth century, and before that it was often called lapis - azure (it is she who is the most expensive). Translated from Persian, azure means "blue", so in the Middle Ages it was more often referred to as "azure stone".
History of origin
Initially, lapis lazuli stone was discovered quite by accident. In ancient times, marble was actively mined, which served for the construction and interior decoration of palaces, and for decorating statues.
On the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, work was underway to extract marble. In the area called Badakhshan, veins of an amazing blue hue were found in blocks of marble.
Until now, this deposit is considered one of the most inaccessible for the extraction of lapis lazuli, but over time, other sources were found, including in Russia.
But then, in ancient times, the find was very striking with its extraordinary color, so the emirs proclaimed it the most valuable nugget. By the way, the brightest and most spectacular specimens are still mined in Afghanistan.
The slaves extracting rocks were chained in the mines so that it would not be possible to take with them even a small amount - not marble, but lapis lazuli! The appearance of the azure stone was considered a gift from Heaven for the East, and people began to revere it as a symbol of the supreme deity of Tengri - Heaven.
Over time, an amazing bright mineral gained unprecedented fame and popularity, was originally used by the Persians, and then came to Egypt. Having conquered Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, lapis - azure came to European countries.
On the territory of Russia, the lazorevik is mentioned for the first time during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. They also called the blue stone “lapis lazuli” in our stones.
At first it was perceived as an exotic curiosity that came from Rome, Byzantium and other countries, and then deposits of lapis lazuli were already found here.
Catherine II made a huge contribution to the production. Over time, the stone was widely used for decoration. For example, they lined the columns of St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Lapis lazuli was used to decorate the hall in the Catherine Palace (Tsarskoye Selo).
The meaning of lapis lazuli stone
Over the centuries, lapis lazuli has acquired many different meanings, but no one doubted that this is a “gift of Heaven” to man, because the brightness of the tone and golden blotches were obvious evidence:
- In ancient egypt the stone was associated with the supreme god Amon - Ra, was considered a Heavenly stone, helping to do just justice. For this reason, the judge had, carved from lapis lazuli, a badge engraved with "truth".
- Lapis lazuli was placed next to the deceased pharaohs in ancient Egypt, so that Osiris judges them with justice. It was found in the famous tomb of Tutankhamen (according to research, it was mined in Afghanistan, the Sary-Sang deposit). The same minerals were found during the excavations of Troy. It was believed that the mineral helps to establish a direct connection with the world of the Gods. Instead of a heart, the mummies inserted figures of beetles - scarabs made from this mineral.
- Curiouslythat the body of priests before the rituals was often covered with lapis lazuli crushed into small crumbs.
- In China and Asian countries lapis lazuli symbolizes absolute and just imperial power.
- The legend about the boards of Moses is interesting.on which the commandments to mankind were inscribed. It is believed that they are made of lapis lazuli mined in Badakhshan.
- In Eastern culture lapis lazuli is the first helper and protector from negativity and the evil eye.
Over the centuries, the azure stone has acquired a serious and important interpretation for any person: it is a symbol of purity (like Heaven), sincerity, justice, connection with the Higher Powers and a sign of the location of the Gods, and therefore the appearance of abilities, success and good luck, luck and prosperity.
physical properties
When studying the characteristics of lapis lazuli, it became clear that the nature of the occurrence is magmatic. It has a complex structure.
Its structure includes the following elements:
- Aluminum;
- Oxygen;
- Sodium;
- Sulfur;
- Occasionally calcium, parts of pyrite or fawn spar.
Below is a table that contains all the characteristics of the stone:
| Name | Description |
| Chemical formula | Na[(AlSiO4)SO4] |
| Mohs hardness | 5,5 – 6,0 |
| Density | 2,38 - 2,42g/cm3 |
| Refractive index | 1,5 |
| Syngonia | Cubic |
| Kink | Grainy and conchoidal |
| Cleavage | Has no clear expression |
| Impurities | Pyrite and spars |
| Brilliance | glass |
| Transparency level | Translucent |
| Colours | All shades of blue with tones of violet, sometimes blue-bluish |
| general description | Sodium-calcium silicate with sulfur and sulfate ions |
It gets its recognizable bright blue color from the sulfur that is part of it. The more it is, the richer the shade. Prites form golden-colored streaks, which people in ancient times mistook for gold.
Lazurite deposits
The oldest place is the border of the northern part of Afghanistan and Tajikistan: the province of Badakhshan. Until now, work is underway there, and the Taliban movement and politicians provide profits.
Since lapis lazuli is of volcanic origin, it is mined in places where volcanoes used to be:
- In Russia The Baikal region (southern part) is considered to be the place for the extraction of blue tit, a lot of it was found along the banks of the Slyudyanka River. The appearance of the crystals is very similar to those of Badakhshan, but the pattern is a little blurry.
- There is another Afghan deposit - near the Pamir mountains, but there the minerals are not of such high quality as from Badakhshan.
- Lapis lazuli is also mined in other countries of the world: Africa, Chile, Namibia, India, China, but there the quality is also not too high and the value is less.
Varieties, color differences
The lapis lazuli stone has completely different shades of blue: from a thick and dark shade, with a purple color, to a greenish blue.
There are monochromatic minerals, but more often with inclusions, veinlets, consisting of pyrite, greyish or white spars. The presence of the latter is a sign of low-grade. The most valuable and high quality is the azure from Badakhshan.
The Afghan national stone is classified into groups:
Niili
The hue is saturated, bright, blue, often there are types of streaks of golden color of pyrite. The most expensive, the cost of a processed mineral inserted into a jewel, is at least $10 per gram.
Asmani
Almost blue color, sometimes light undertones of blue.
Sufsi
It is distinguished by the presence of greenish tones and has inclusions. The cheapest.
Russian lapis lazuli resembles Afghan stones. Chilean and Pamir are paler.
Asmani and sufsi are used to make jewelry and are purchased in private collections, they are considered the best examples in the world.
Important: Azurmalachite is often confused with lapis lazuli, which is a mixture of lapis lazuli and malachite, has a greenish-blue characteristic color.
The magical properties of lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli is suitable for those who dream of positive constructive changes in their lives, but do not dare to take the right and active steps. It is advisable to purchase this stone as a talisman and an assistant in gaining strength.
The owner of the stone will notice positive changes in a short period of time, and his environment will also be cleansed of envious and negative people.
If for a long time it is not possible to acquire offspring, then decoration from heavenly lapis lazuli will help to conceive and endure successfully and without complications. It should not be removed during labor.
The owner becomes a very intuitive and perceptive person, quickly recognizing lies. Lapis lazuli will help to harmonize relationships in a couple, and for lonely people - to find a soul mate.
Lovers of meditation and solitude have long used it to connect with the Higher Forces and gain peace of mind and peace.
The stone is suitable for philosophers, people with creative professions, doctors, lawyers, writers, practical psychologists, hyperactive children who require attention and timely reassurance.
Medicinal properties
Even in ancient times, healers felt and revealed the positive effect of lapis lazuli on the body. They treated anorexia and removed poisons and toxins from the body.
Lithotherapists in the modern world recommend wearing a "star" stone for such ailments:
- If you look on lapis lazuli for 6 - 8 minutes a day, then vision will begin to recover.
- From baldness and for the density of hair, you should wear earrings with this mineral.
- Nevrozы, anxiety, insomnia and hypertension will go away forever if you wear an azure stone necklace.
- Silver brooch or a pendant with a stone will help people diagnosed with asthma, with chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi, suffering from attacks of sciatica.
- For those who purchase the azurevik from Badashkhan, will be able to get rid of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
- As a preventive you can wear a stone and cleanse the blood, eliminate inflammation in the lymphatic system. It is advisable to wear a ring with lapis lazuli on the left hand.
- For any damage to the skin, including wounds, cuts, burns, apply a stone to the affected area.
- If you take the powder, then such a natural remedy will cause vomiting in case of poisoning.
Beads were worn by pregnant women in ancient times so that the period of bearing a child was successful, there was no miscarriage, and childbirth went without complications.
Who is suitable for the sign of the zodiac
To get the maximum effect and really “make friends” with a stone, you should combine its properties with your belonging to the zodiac sign, it is important who the person is according to the horoscope.
Particularly suitable for lapis lazuli Vesam. It helps to make responsible and difficult decisions, helps to increase self-esteem and develop hidden talents and abilities. But jewelry with a stone should be worn constantly (except for periods of cleaning).
Sagittarius he calms and pacifies the "fiery" impulsive nature. In order not to get annoyed and not to say too much, wear a stone to events, signing contracts and business meetings.
Other signs of the zodiac they can also wear a stone, but not more than five hours a day. And the representative to whom the “blue” mineral is absolutely indifferent is CapricornIt won't do any harm, but it won't do any good either.
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + + + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | — |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
Talismans and charms
The stone can be worn under clothing or in jewelry. He is able to collect all the negativity directed by envious people or simply unkind people. When working in a team, it is better to have silver jewelry.
If the mineral is in gold, then it will attract love and good luck to the owner. Beads, bracelets and pendants help to radically change the fate.
If it is rimless, it can alternatively be carried in a purse or in an inside clothing pocket.
If there are several stones in the product, then their cleansing power is enhanced.
Jewelry with lapis lazuli and their price
Lapis lazuli is considered an inexpensive ornamental material. The main application is stone-cutting art. Various decorative items are cut out of the mineral, and facing mosaics are made from thin plates.
Jewelry with a heavenly stone is a rare occurrence. This is done only by individual workshops, since the cost of the stone is very low compared to precious metals for its setting. Another thing is jewelry or all kinds of handicrafts. Lapis lazuli is sold in the form of beads of various shapes, from which talented handmakers create beautiful jewelry.
If you still want to buy a piece of jewelry with lapis lazuli, then such a product can be made to order. The cost of such an ornament will depend on the complexity of the work, the metal and the prices of the workshop itself for its services:
- A silver ring will cost from 150 euros. You can order a product made of solid stone without a metal frame. Such a ring costs about 200-270 euros.
- Earrings start from 50 euros.
You can opt for a set of jewelry. Earrings and a ring with lapis lazuli inserts will cost an average of 200-250 euros.
Designer beads made from a heavenly mineral will cost about 130-300 euros, depending on the type of stone. The necklace will reach a price of 350-400 euros.
Other uses of lapis lazuli
Souvenirs in the form of figurines and figurines are made from lapis lazuli. You can see expensive caskets made by real craftsmen.
Sometimes ashtrays are made from it as a gift option. Previously, they were actively used in temples and temple paraphernalia.
Taking note of the experience of the ancient priests, Europeans in the Renaissance again began to turn stone into powder and make paint with its particles for painting pictures.
This is how ultramarine was born. Natural was used in painting until the 20s of the XX century. Then it was replaced with an artificial one.
Fake diamond
There are several types of fake stones: sodalite, colored lapis lazuli and dumortierite. The latter does not have that special brilliance and silvery sparks.
Sodalite transparent, light can be seen through it. A dyed mineral will give itself away as a colored trail when swiped across a wet surface.
How to distinguish from fakes
Often lapis lazuli is faked. For him they give out colored chalcedony, jasper and cacholong. Mineral-like glass cabochons in shades of lapis lazuli, colored polymer clay.
To find out, you need to dip the stone in water. The fake will be covered with small drops, and the natural stone will get wet gradually.
Depending on the lighting, it is also easy to identify a fake: it always glows the same way, and a natural mineral dims in the evening light.
What stones are combined with
It is desirable to know how lapis lazuli stone adjoins other minerals:
- Best combined with earth stones: jade, malachite, agate and turquoise.
- Satisfactory compatibility with "water" stones: opal, pearls, aquamarine, emerald.
- Reacts neutrally to "air": amethyst, crystal, beryl.
- It is not recommended to combine with "fire": grenade, ruby and diamond.
Rules for wearing and care
When buying jewelry with natural minerals, it is worth considering the favorable time to buy a particular stone. For lapis lazuli, this is the week before the full moon.
It is not recommended to wear a celestial mineral all the time. The maximum daily interaction time is 5 hours. Particular attention should be paid to energy purification and recharging of the nugget. The first procedure is carried out during the last decade of Pisces (March 16-21).
The azure is cleaned under running river water or water from a stream. In the days of the first decade of the sign Aries, it is advisable to charge the heavenly stone with fiery energy - encircle the mineral three times in a clockwise direction over a burning candle.
As for the rules of care, lapis lazuli is unpretentious here. The main thing is to avoid mechanical damage, keep it in a separate bag made of soft fabric. You can wash the stone with ordinary clean water. In case of severe contamination, the use of cleaning products is allowed, since lapis lazuli is resistant to acids and alkalis (in addition to hydrochloric acid).
Interesting Facts
- The famous ring of Solomon, according to legend, was presented by an angel, has a lapis lazuli stone. Using the jewel, Solomon successfully commanded the demons and built the Temple.
- All properties of the stone are revealed if its owner is red or brunette.
- The material for the handle of the official seal of the President of Ukraine is made of lapis lazuli.
