Lapis Lazuli
Introduction
Lapis lazuli is a captivating gemstone with a rich history spanning millennia. It has long been revered for its deep blue hue and golden pyrite flecks reminiscent of a starry night sky. Its name, stemming from the Latin words "lapis," meaning stone, and "lazuli," referring to its vivid blue colour. Lapis lazuli is often found with golden pyrite and white calcite inclusions.
Lapis lazuli is the birthstone for September, and the anniversary gift for nine years of marriage. Believed to have been prized as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, this gemstone holds a cherished place in the annals of human civilisation.
Lapis Lazuli has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. This festoon necklace dates to the Victorian era.
Wear & Care
Lapis lazuli typically ranks between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is important to handle lapis lazuli jewellery with care to avoid damage
To clean lapis lazuli use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Pat dry with a soft cloth, and store in a pouch or jewellery box without the piece touching other jewellery.
If in doubt, please feel free to Contact Us, and our gem experts can advise you.
Lapis lazuli is a softer stone, and should be worn with care, as would all the gems in this scarab bracelet.
History
Lapis lazuli has been prized for its deep blue colour and golden flecks since ancient times. It was one of the first gemstones to be mined and traded, with evidence of its use dating back to the 4th millennium BCE in ancient Mesopotamia.
Lapis lazuli held great significance in ancient Egypt, where it was used in jewellery, amulets, scarabs and other decorative objects. It was also used in cosmetics and religious rituals. Lapis lazuli was believed to symbolise the heavens and was often used to adorn the burial masks and sarcophagi of pharaohs and nobles.
Lapis lazuli was traded along the Silk Road and became popular in medieval Europe during the Renaissance period. It was used by artists such as Michelangelo and Vermeer to create vibrant blue pigments for painting, known as ultramarine. Lapis lazuli pigment was more valuable than gold and was reserved for use in the most prestigious works of art.
This vintage lapis ring dates back to the 1970s.
Metaphysical Beliefs
Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of inner peace and serenity. It is believed to calm the mind, soothe emotional turmoil, and promote a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Lapis lazuli's deep blue color is often associated with the calmness of the ocean and the vastness of the sky.