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Lapis lazuli
Main Deposits
Afghanistan (Sar-e-Sang, the best in the world), Chile (Ovalle), Russia (Lake Baikal), and the United States
Description and Characteristics
Unlike most gemstones, lapis lazuli is not a single mineral but a rock composed primarily of three minerals: lazurite (which gives it the intense blue), calcite (which provides the white veins), and pyrite (which creates the brilliant golden inclusions). It forms through contact metamorphism in limestones. The highest quality lapis lazuli is a deep, uniform ultramarine blue, with finely distributed pyrite specks and almost no visible calcite. It was the most sacred stone in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, used to create everything from the eyebrows on Tutankhamun鈥檚 mask to the most expensive pigments in the history of painting.
| Chemical Formula | $$Na_6Ca_2$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | Light blue |
| Fracture | Conchoidal to irregular |
| Cleavage | None |
| Hardness | 5-5,5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Isometric (as the main constituent, lazurite) |
Did you know...?
During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli was more expensive than gold. It was ground to create "Ultramarine Blue" pigment, the only blue that did not fade over time, used by masters like Vermeer and Michelangelo to paint the Virgin Mary's robes. In Ancient Egypt, it was believed that lapis lazuli contained the strength of the starry night and was ground to be used as eyeshadow by royalty. A key care tip is that, being a porous rock and containing calcite, it is very sensitive to acids, perfumes, and cleaning products; therefore, it should only be cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water.
New-Age Properties
Lapis Lazuli is known as the "Stone of Truth" and wisdom. It is linked to the third eye and throat chakras, facilitating clear communication and the expression of inner truth. Spiritually, it is a stone that enhances dream work and psychic abilities, protecting the wearer from psychic attacks by blocking negative energy and returning it to its source. Mentally, it brings deep clarity and objectivity, helping to confront the truth and accept what it teaches. It is an excellent stone for releasing stress and bringing a sense of deep peace and serenity.