Lapis Lazuli

(Na,Ca)8Al6Si6O24(S,SO)4

Physical Characteristics:
 

Lapis lazuli is a striking blue metamorphic rock known for its vibrant color and historic significance. Here are its key physical qualities:

  • Color: Rich, deep blue, often with specks or streaks of white calcite and golden pyrite inclusions (giving it a starry appearance). The intensity of the blue varies based on the concentration of lazurite, the primary mineral responsible for its color.

  • Hardness: Ranges from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones.

  • Luster: Generally has a waxy to vitreous luster when polished.

  • Fracture: Exhibits uneven to conchoidal fracture, meaning it breaks with irregular, curved surfaces.

  • Transparency: Lapis lazuli is typically opaque.

  • Composition: It’s a combination of minerals, primarily lazurite, along with calcite, pyrite, and minor amounts of other minerals like sodalite.

  • Specific Gravity: Typically around 2.7 to 2.9, giving it a moderately dense feel.

  • Cleavage: Lapis lazuli does not have a distinct cleavage, which is how a mineral breaks along certain planes.

  • Texture: Often described as granular due to its mineral composition.

Because of these qualities, lapis lazuli has been prized for centuries, particularly in ancient art and jewelry, as well as ground into pigments like ultramarine.

Supporting Gemstone for the Color Navy Blue

  • Wisdom and Truth: Lapis Lazuli is strongly associated with wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. It is believed to stimulate the mind, enhance intellectual abilities, and promote clear thinking and communication. Lapis Lazuli encourages honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of higher knowledge.
  • Inner Vision and Intuition: Lapis Lazuli is said to enhance inner vision, intuition, and psychic abilities. It is believed to deepen one’s connection to the inner self and higher realms of consciousness, facilitating spiritual insight, wisdom, and inner guidance.
  • Communication and Expression: Lapis Lazuli is known for its association with communication and self-expression. It is believed to promote effective communication, articulate speech, and the ability to express oneself with clarity and confidence. Lapis Lazuli may help individuals overcome communication barriers and express their thoughts and feelings more openly.
  • Emotional Healing and Balance: Lapis Lazuli is believed to promote emotional healing and balance. It is said to help individuals release emotional baggage, traumas, and negative emotions, fostering inner peace, acceptance, and emotional resilience. Lapis Lazuli encourages self-awareness, self-expression, and emotional healing.
  • Protection and Spiritual Growth: Lapis Lazuli is associated with protection and spiritual growth. It is believed to offer spiritual protection against negative energies, psychic attacks, and spiritual disturbances. Lapis Lazuli promotes spiritual growth, wisdom, and inner strength.
  • Harmony and Inner Peace: Lapis Lazuli is said to promote harmony, serenity, and inner peace. It is believed to calm the mind, soothe the emotions, and promote a sense of tranquility and well-being. Lapis Lazuli encourages mindfulness, meditation, and inner reflection.
  • Creativity and Inspiration: Lapis Lazuli is believed to stimulate creativity, inspiration, and artistic expression. It is said to awaken the creative potential within individuals, encouraging them to explore new ideas, projects, and creative endeavors. Lapis Lazuli fosters a sense of innovation, originality, and artistic vision.
  • Physical Healing and Vitality: Lapis Lazuli is associated with physical healing and vitality. It is believed to support the body’s natural healing processes, promote vitality, and strengthen the immune system. Lapis Lazuli may help alleviate physical ailments such as headaches, insomnia, and inflammation.
  • Spiritual Connection and Alignment: Lapis Lazuli is said to deepen one’s connection to spiritual energies and higher consciousness. It is believed to align the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies, promoting overall well-being, vitality, and spiritual alignment.
  • Manifestation and Abundance: Lapis Lazuli is associated with manifestation and abundance. It is believed to help individuals manifest their desires, attract prosperity, and achieve success in various aspects of life. Lapis Lazuli enhances prosperity consciousness and manifestation abilities.