Lapis Lazuli – The Rich Blue Gem

Lapis lazuli is a semiprecious stone which is loved and valued for its deep blue color. Thanks to the blue of Lapis for imparting the imaginable blue color to the paintings of Renaissance. Lapis Lazuli occurs in various shades of blue with some qualities being spotted with white calcite and some with yellow pyrite. The finest one is blue in color with little or no veining from other elements.

This beautiful blue gem derived its name lapis from the word pencil in Spanish. Lapis Lazuli is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th and 9th year of marriage. It can be easily scratched or chipped therefore need proper care. One can clean his/her lapis Jewelry with a soft dry cloth as water can dissolve the stone's protective coatings. It is the stone that is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth. This blue stone is believed to encourage harmony in relationships and also it helps the wearer to be authentic.

The major deposits of Lapis Lazuli are found in the Afghanistan, Egypt, Canada, Chile, the US, and South America. The mines in Badakhshan, northeastern Afghanistan, and near Ovalle, Chile, are also significant sources of Lapis stone.

Small amounts of white calcite and of pyrite crystals are usually present in Lazuli stone in addition to the Sodalite minerals. The physical properties of Lapis are variable because it is a rock of varying composition. Diopside and lazurite are the major constituents of opaque rock Lapis. It came into existence about millions of years ago during the metamorphosis of lime to marble. Whitish marble veins could be easily seen in an uncut Lapis stone, the uncut stones are of a deep, dark blue color, often with golden inclusions.

The blue color comes from the sulphur content of the lazurite and may range from pure ultramarine to a lighter blue. The stone gets the magic of a starry sky because of the small inclusions with their golden shimmer. These small inclusions with golden shimmer are not of gold as people think, but those are of pyrites.

For centuries Lapis stone has been prized for all kind of Jewelry items. But it has also been used to make the beautiful blue paint ultramarine. Ultramarine is used in paints, lacquers, and is also used in decorating materials because it has a brilliant blue color which is very lightfast.

There are remarkable healing properties that are associated with Lapis stone. It is said to increase psychic abilities and it also eliminates negative emotions. It relieves sore throat pain and helps in certain type of fevers.

The Mystical powers of Lazuli stone also make it an ideal choice. It is believed to increase mental clarity, virility, and calm and it is also believed to be useful in relieving depression and promoting spirituality. Lapis Lazuli gemstone is energy focuser for teachers, lecturers and speakers, it enhances creative self-expression.