In this post, we reveal the secrets of lapis lazuli, including its meaning, benefits, properties and uses. Let's dive in!

Introduction

The magic of lapis lazuli is something that stays with a person long after the stone is no longer even present. These ancient allies are still serving the planet in ways that many crystal enthusiasts are unable to comprehend — and we’ve got everything you need to know right here, right now! 

In this article we discuss the following:

• Lapis Lazuli Stone Meaning
• What is Lapis Lazuli
• How to Identify Lapis Lazuli
• Spiritual Meaning of Lapis Lazuli
• Health Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
• What Does Lapis Lazuli Do
• Where to Find Lapis Lazuli
• Lapis Lazuli in Egypt
• Chilean Lapis Lazuli
• Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli
• Russian Lapis Lazuli
• Italian Lapis Lazuli
• South American Lapis Lazuli
• Where is Lapis Lazuli Found in the United States?
• Lapis Lazuli Properties
• Lapis Lazuli Metaphysical Properties
• Lapis Lazuli Throat Chakra
• Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties
• Lapis Lazuli Spiritual Properties
• Can Lapis Lazuli Get Wet?
• Lapis Lazuli Uses
• Lapis Lazuli Sphere
• Lapis Lazuli Pyramid
• Lapis Lazuli Powder
• Lapis Lazuli Chips
• Lapis Lazuli Globes
• Lapis Lazuli Beads 
• Lapis Lazuli Bowl
• Lapis Lazuli Blanket
• Sodalite vs Lapis Lazuli
• Difference Between Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite
• Lapis Lazuli and Amethyst
• Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
• Different Types of Lapis Lazuli
• Phoenix Lapis Lazuli
• Tumbled Lapis Lazuli
• Raw Lapis
• Natural Lapis Lazuli
• Lapis Lazuli Marble
• Lapis Lazuli Colors
• Pink Lapis Lazuli
• Blue Lapis Lazuli
• Red Lapis Lazuli
• Yellow Lapis Lazuli
• Gold Lapis Lazuli
• White Lapis Lazuli
• Purple Lapis Lazuli 
• Green Lapis Lazuli 
• Lapis Jewelry
• Lapis Lazuli Earrings
• Lapis Lazuli Rings
• Cleaning Lapis Lazuli
• How to Purify Lapis Lazuli
• How to Restore Lapis Lazuli
• How to Polish Lapis Lazuli
• How to Cut Lapis Lazuli
• How to Charge Lapis Lazuli
• Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli
• Lapis Lazuli on Amazon
• Lapis Lazuli Necklace on Amazon
• Lapis Lazuli on Ebay
• How Much Does Lapis Lazuli Cost
• Raw Lapis Lazuli For Sale
• Fake Lapis Lazuli
• How to Spot Fake Lapis Lazuli
• Real Lapis Lazuli  

Lapis Lazuli Stone Meaning

The lapis lazuli etymology is that of late middle English. The name was derived from Latin and Medieval Latin, and essentially just means “blue stone”. 

Throughout the history of lapis lazuli, these stones have been well-loved by most ancient civilizations. The lapis lazuli Egypt meaning is rooted in the ways that the ancient people used the crystals to make blue hued cosmetics, which is essentially where the concept of colored eyeshadow was invented. 

Further along the line, during the Renaissance era, painters would grind up lapis lazuli stone in order to make blue pigment that could be used to paint seas and skies. Prior to this, blue had rarely even been noticed as a color of nature, as there were no plants or foods that seemed to offer such a shade. 

What is Lapis Lazuli

In order to define lazuli, one needs to take a look at the mineral composition itself. Where does lapis lazuli form? This is a deep-blue metamorphic rock that forms near to igneous intrusions. Here, limestone or marble has been altered by either contact metamorphism or hydrothermal metamorphism. 

A lapis lazuli gemstone forms with many bands or layers, due to pure lazurite replacing significant portions of the host rock. 

The lapis lazuli zodiac is a broad one, and the stone is suitable for the Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius and Capricorn signs, respectively. 

How to Identify Lapis Lazuli

Identifying lapis rock is not a complex feat. There aren’t really any other stones that take on a similar shade or texture; lapis is unique, vibrant and highly detectable. 

The lapiz azul, or blue of the lapis, is your best bet in concluding that the stone before you is indeed lapis lazuli. What does lapis lazuli look like? It’s distinctly royal blue, though some may describe it as indigo.

The stones contain no visible calcites, but may exhibit various gold-toned pyrite flakes throughout. 

Spiritual Meaning of Lapis Lazuli

We can dive deeper into the lapis lazuli crystal meaning by looking into the more spiritual relevance of the stone throughout history. 

It is actually one of the oldest spiritually driven stones known to humankind. It was used by healers, priests and even royals throughout history for the purpose of wisdom, power and enhanced psychic ability.

Many believe it to have been a stone that represented universal truths, and access to intelligent infinity. Even those who didn’t have the capacity to tap into the spiritual frequencies still enjoyed keeping it around, tapping gently into how it made them feel and the benefits that it brought to life. 

Health Benefits of Lapis Lazuli

What Does Lapis Lazuli Do

Of all the many lapis lazuli effects, the health benefits are something many people still seek from the stone to this day. Lapis lazuli energy and powers have been known to strengthen the immune system in profound ways. 

More than this, the stone is said to have the ability to purify the blood, lowering blood pressure in the process. When this happens, all areas of inflammation and irritation are soothed, and the human vessel is able to walk through life in a more efficient way. 

Lapis may help with depression, insomnia and vertigo. 

Where to Find Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli in Egypt

The lapis lazuli mineral, as we know, was very important to the people of Ancient Egypt, as were various other gemstones for other reasons. 

They used lapis to make cosmetics and adorned their faces and bodies with blue paint. Does lapis lazuli have gold in it? Yes indeed, and the Egyptians were exceptionally taken by this fact. One look at the history books and it’s clear to see why: gold played a major role in the daily life of the Egyptian people. 

Chilean Lapis Lazuli

In Chile, the Coquimbo Region is the only known lapis lazuli source in the country. There is sometimes reference made to another lapis deposit elsewhere in the country, but the crystals being excavated have since been concluded to be a totally different mineral. 

Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli

Afghanistan is home to some of the most prized lapis lazuli in the world. It’s known for offering a rich, dark hue, almost close to black. Afghanistan has been responsible for the mining and export of lapis lazuli into the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia since the Neolithic age. 

Russian Lapis Lazuli

A large amount of lapis lazuli comes out of the mines just west of Lake Baikal in Russia. Most Russian Czars made use of these stones in the construction of their homes and royal attire. It is speculated that this would have been the initiatory period of lapis lazuli’s representation of wealth and prosperity. 

Italian Lapis Lazuli

While there are no actual lapis lazuli deposits left in Italy per se, this stone made waves throughout the country during the Renaissance era, as mentioned above, when painters found that they could grind them up and use them to produce pigments for their arts. 

It permanently changed the way in which we, as human beings, were able to produce artworks, and for the first time representations of the sky and the sea were being captured on canvas to live on through history. 

South American Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli was also an important stone to the South American people, however the only known source was that of the aforementioned mines in Chile. 

The stones would have circulated around the greater South American region quite quickly due to trade and bartering culture. Likewise, during the Spanish invasion, many people were forced to flee with only that which was considered most valuable; lapis stones would have been the first thing that a lot of families would grab on the way out. 

In South America, beautiful ornaments and trinkets are carved from lapis rock. The continent is also known for the production of a lot of gorgeous lapis lazuli jewelry. 

Where is Lapis Lazuli Found in the United States?

California and Colorado have been supplying a significant amount of lapis lazuli to the world for a number of years now. The most commercial of the lapis mines is that of Big Horn, located in Wrightwood. 

The native people were also lovers of these stones, so there are a lot of lapis derived artifacts in the natural history museums across the United States. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is particularly known for their impressive lapis lazuli artifact collection, open to the public in the heart of Denver, Colorado. 

Lapis Lazuli Properties

Lapis Lazuli Metaphysical Properties

The magical properties of lapis lazuli are easy to tap into. This is a meditative and calming stone, and it holds an unwavering connection to psychic wisdom. Truth and integrity are the sole frequency of this stone, so it won’t be very long before you find yourself being driven to look in the mirror and face your innate truths. 

Many wear lapis lazuli as a guard against potential psychic attacks, and it’s also great to keep close to your head whilst you sleep if you feel that your sleep patterns are being interjected by negative forces of any sort. 

If you are seeking better alignment with the universal forces that are constantly at play, lapis will happily facilitate. 

Lapis Lazuli Throat Chakra

Before we get into the relationship between lapis lazuli and the throat, it’s necessary to point out that the lapis birthstone alternates with that of sapphire for the month of September. 

Each chakra holds a unique color ray energy, and generally this correlates directly with the crystals that work closely to them. Lapis lazuli, being in blue ray energy, connects very deeply with the throat chakra. 

Stimulation of this energetic hub will result in amplified communication, better self expression and acceptance, and increased confidence in the ways one presents themselves to the world. Use it directly on the throat chakra for unblocking, balancing and stimulation. 

Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties

We touched on the physical healing properties of lapis lazuli a little earlier on in the piece. Of all lapis lazuli qualities, these are undoubtedly the most highly sought after. 

Any crystal with the ability to boost the immune system is automatically an ally to every human being. This is not usually something that can be achieved externally, nor in such a potent, undeniable way. 

The best way to enjoy the healing properties of lapis lazuli is to wear the stone on the physical body as often as possible. Many people opt for lapis lazuli jewelry, as it makes direct contact both stylish and easy. 

Lapis Lazuli Spiritual Properties

One spiritual property worth delving a little deeper into is lapis lazuli’s impact on depression. Depression often manifests as a physical ailment, despite being very much rooted in the mind and the overall health thereof. 

Using lapis to increase your connection with the spiritual realm generally tends to see depression, and symptoms thereof, melting away like butter. Anxiety is also no match for these stones, as when one is being shown the path to universal truth there is a realization that there is nothing to fear, and thus anxiety starts to lose its power. 

Can Lapis Lazuli Get Wet?

No, lapis lazuli is not considered to be a water safe crystal and should not be submerged in water under any circumstances. 

This is not to say that lapis is a stone that never needs to be cleaned. Cleaning your lapis stones from time to time is incredibly important if you want to keep them in prime working order. 

The best way to clean lapis is to mix a small amount of warm, soapy water and to use the end of a cloth to gently wipe down the stone from top to bottom. The water is fine, so long as the stone is not being totally submerged in it. 

Lapis Lazuli Uses

Lapis Lazuli Sphere

Stones that are shaped into perfect spheres are considered to be great conductors of energy as well as powerful protection amulets. 

These are great to display in the home, as they are heavy and not really ideal for use on the physical body. Smaller lapis lazuli spheres can be held in the hand during prayer or meditation. 

Lapis Lazuli Pyramid

When crystals are cut and shaped into pyramids, they become powerful conduits for energy in a specific direction. Lapis pyramids will send energy up and out, and are best placed underneath the individual in question. 

Leaving a lapis pyramid under your bed as you slumber will allow the stone to work its magic from right underneath you. 

Lapis Lazuli Powder

As we know, lapis lazuli powder was invented many, many centuries ago for the purpose of making paints and dyes. The Ancient Egyptians were the first to do it, and used the powder on their faces and bodies as a kind of makeup. 

Lapis Lazuli Chips

Because lapis lazuli is so often carved and shaped into alternative ornaments, there are a lot of off cuts and chips floating around the planetary sphere. These can be a great way to come to own lapis lazuli in an inexpensive way. 

Lapis lazuli chips are generally sold in bulk and may be used in the potting of plants or the paving of a garden walkway. 

Lapis Lazuli Globes

Sometime in the recent century, artists began getting creative with lapis lazuli. The vibrant blue of the stone takes on a similar appearance to that of the oceans when viewed as a globe. 

Lapis lazuli spheres have been crafted and painted to look like planet Earth, and they make for phenomenal display pieces in the home or office. 

Lapis Lazuli Beads 

The most inexpensive way of obtaining any form of crystal is generally in the form of beading. Beads are made with offcuts and are sold in bulk; they offer you the opportunity to get creative on your own, and possibly string up some prayer beads or jewelry. 

Lapis Lazuli Bowl

Because lapis is such a great carving stone, many household items have been made out of blocks of these crystals. 

Lapis lazuli bowls are striking pieces. They can be used for anything from eating to the grinding of herbs and spices. Usually, they are treated and sealed so that they can be washed just as one would a regular bowl. 

Lapis Lazuli Blanket

Lapis lazuli in art extends much further than simply the paint that was once used for the seas and skies. Lapis is a potent dye for fabric, similar to that of blueberries and spinach. 

There are blanket makers around the world who use lapis as the sole blue dye for their artistic creations. Because of the uniqueness of these pieces, a lot of them are used in the decoration of the home, and the blankets are hung on the walls as opposed to used for their usual function. 

Sodalite vs Lapis Lazuli

Difference Between Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite

Sodalite is the closest looking stone to lapis lazuli, and a lot of crystal newbies tend to get them easily confused, while more experienced eyes can easily detect one from the other. 

The hardness of lapis lazuli offers a great difference to that of sodalite. On the Mohos scale, lapis ranks a 5, while sodalite holds a 5.5. This means that sodalite would be harder to scratch into compared to lapis, which is an easy test to perform at home using a sharp object. 

Sodalite is more rare in the making of finished jewelry. It is also a lot more dull in tone when compared to natural lapis lazuli. Sodalite has a lot more of a gray, occasionally black, presence, while lapis remains a bright, luminous blue throughout. 

Lapis Lazuli and Amethyst

If you look at pictures of lapis lazuli next to amethyst, there is no question as to which is one and which is the other. Amethyst is distinctly purple, and lapis distinctly blue, and the only reason the two often come up in conversation together is that the both hold the key to psychic divinity. 

Both stones can be used to enhance one’s natural intuitive gifts. They work to open up the higher chakras so that intelligent infinity can flow right in. 

Working with them in unison for this purpose can speed things up. Lapis will work with the throat region, while amethyst works with the third eye. Once both of these hubs are opened up, it’s a short jump into the crown chakra and up into the higher planes. 

Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire

In the middle ages, lapis was frequently confused with blue sapphires, especially when occurring in more refined forms. 

It now lives on as a great sapphire stone alternative, considering how the cost of sapphire has skyrocketed over the last century. Anyone seeking that rich, vibrant blue for the purpose of jewelry may find that lapis lazuli is a happy replica. 

The most notable difference between lapis lazuli and sapphire is that lapis offers gold flakes throughout the crystalline structure, while sapphire does not. 

Different Types of Lapis Lazuli

Phoenix Lapis Lazuli

Many centuries ago, a stone worker is believed to have combined the likes of lapis lazuli with turquoise for a homemade masterpiece. The result was a phoenix-style stone with equal parts blue and green. 

Today, phoenix lapis lazuli is entirely manmade and usually embodies counterfeit stone. There is no such thing as natural phoenix lapis, so be wary of those on the Internet who claim there to be. 

Tumbled Lapis Lazuli

Tumbling of stones involves taking rough lapis lazuli and placing it into a special machine that rolls it around quite vigorously. Eventually, all sharp edges are worn down and rounded out, leaving behind a perfect piece of polished lapis lazuli. 

Tumbled stones are considered better for work on the physical body, while rough stones are best for display in the home. 

Raw Lapis

Genuine lapis lazuli is lifted from the Earth in raw, unpolished, undefined form. Raw lapis is most ideal when placed somewhere in the home or garden for the purpose of channeling or protection. 

Natural Lapis Lazuli

A retailer may refer to a piece of lapis lazuli as “natural” for the purpose of stating that this is a genuine stone and not a manmade alternative. This is never to say that a retailer who neglects to state a stone to be “natural” is thereby selling counterfeit stones; it is simply the approach of some sellers, and not of concern to others. Use your discretion and ask questions when in doubt!

Lapis Lazuli Marble

The natural lapis lazuli texture, as it comes from the earth, makes it a great stone to use in place of marble or granite. Slabs of lapis lazuli can be excavated and used in home design, both outside and inside. 

Again, these stones can be easily treated and sealed so that water contact never becomes a cause of deterioration. That being said, lapis lazuli marble is not recommended for use in places of high moisture, such as a bathroom. 

Lapis Lazuli Colors

Pink Lapis Lazuli

Because lapis lazuli is such a bright and distinct shade of blue, there was a movement in the crystal market to dye these stones into different hues, in the belief that it would make them more appealing to a broader range of people. 

Some people are more attracted to pink than blue, and thus pink lapis lazuli has its place within the crystal world. Pink lazuli holds the exact same properties as the original stones, and nothing is changed in the dying process. 

Blue Lapis Lazuli

Blue is the original and most natural form of lapis lazuli. It is how nature intended the stone to be, and the most potent version as we bring it out of the ground and into the physical world that we seek to navigate. 

Red Lapis Lazuli

Unfortunately, “red lapis” is yet another marketing ploy to make these stones more diverse and appealing. Red lapis is made using red agate, and contains no original lapis crystalline structure at all. 

Yellow Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is never yellow, but some do refer to the golden pyrite inclusions as yellow flakes, or yellow streaks. 

Some lapis holds more flakes than others, which would make certain forms appear to be more yellow than other stones. 

Gold Lapis Lazuli

As mentioned above, the gold found in lapis lazuli is little more than pyrite flakes or streaks that settle into the rock itself. This gives lapis its golden luster and very eye catching appeal. 

Some collectors make it their life’s mission to find the most golden piece of lapis around. 

White Lapis Lazuli

All natural lapis has a level of white calcite present within the crystalline formation. Sometimes, the calcite is so abundant that it almost takes over most of the stone. 

The visual is similar to a snowy mountaintop with a bright blue mountain down below. It’s a beautiful conglomeration of minerals, and is often dubbed white lapis lazuli for marketing purposes. More calcite does not affect the properties of lapis lazuli stone in any way. 

Purple Lapis Lazuli 

Because lapis lazuli is technically both blue and indigo ray energy, there are many who associate the stone with purple ray than blue ray. 

Every so often, the mineral inclusions at the time of stone formation are higher or lower and thereby cause lapis to take on more of a purple luster. Again, this does not affect the properties of the stone in any way. 

Green Lapis Lazuli 

There are some more rare forms of lapis lazuli that take on a moss green hue under the right conditions. These are not easy to find, so replica versions are made by manufacturers looking to make a quick buck. Be wary of green lapis lazuli being sold at markets. 

Lapis Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Because lapis works so closely with the upper chakras, wearing these stones as earrings is a great way to open up your energy to the psychic planes as you go about your day. 

Lapis is gentle enough in frequency that there are no known side effects that you need to be weary of in wearing these stones over long periods of time. 

Lapis Lazuli Rings

Lapis lazuli cabochon cuts are used to make crystal rings. A lapis lazuli ring is a striking piece, but more than this it is an energetic ally that you can depend on as you move through your day. 

Wearing a lapis ring during mediation will help you deepen your practice and reach altered states far more frequently. 

Cleaning Lapis Lazuli

How to Purify Lapis Lazuli

We mentioned that soaking lapis in water is not a suitable means of purification. In terms of suitable lapis lazuli care, simply hold your stone under running water for 30 seconds or less. 

This is one way of purifying the body and getting rid of any accumulated negative energies.

Never drink water that has been used to purify a lapis stone. The lapis lazuli toxicity rumors are somewhat true in that the pyrite inclusions may contain copper or sulphur, both of which can be toxic for humans to consume in excess. 

How to Restore Lapis Lazuli

The exterior of a lapis stone has the tendency to fade or lose its vibrancy over time, so to prevent this one needs to take measures to restore the body of the stone every so often. 

Restoring lapis lazuli is as easy as rubbing it down with a soft or nonabrasive cloth. The smoother the cloth, the better, and the body of the stone will soon start to take back that natural allure it held when it was once brand new. 

How to Polish Lapis Lazuli

To polish lapis lazuli, use a small amount of aluminum oxide on the soft polishing cloth of your choice. Gently work the mixture into the stone and it will result in a long lasting, durable polish. 

How to Cut Lapis Lazuli

A lot of people like to DIY their lapis lazuli into household objects or other creative objects. Cutting lapis can be done with almost any steel blade or grinding tool. 

An easier way to work with lapis is to simply sand down the piece into whatever shape of form you so desire. This takes time, but is an incredibly rewarding creative experience, as many will tell you. 

How to Charge Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is in best working order when it is charged at least once a month. Use any of the following methods for the recharging of these stones:

• Leave lapis under the light of the full moon overnight, retrieving it only the following morning. 
• Bury lapis in the garden and leave it here for up to 48 hours. 
• Place lapis lazuli on a bed of Himalayan salt and allow it to recharge here when not in use. 
• Burn sage or other scared herbs over your stone while setting the intention for cleansing as you do so. 
• Use self-cleaning stones to recharge your lapis lazuli by placing them together for periods of a few hours or more. 

Where to Buy Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli on Amazon

Lapis lazuli is widely available on Amazon, and we love that the very transparent feedback feature on this platform allows past buyers to express their experience with certain retailers. 

It is easy to determine the quality and integrity of the products in this way, and you’ll almost always find your way to a very well-suited piece of lapis to add to your collection.

Lapis Lazuli Necklace on Amazon

Lapis jewelry is broadly available on Amazon, too. The platform has many crystal jewelry makers who have mastered the art of stringing lapis. A lapis necklace is a fantastic piece as it sits close to the throat chakra, which is the hub where this stone thrives when working with the physical body. 

Lapis Lazuli on Ebay

Like Amazon, Ebay is another platform with a spectrum of stones available to the global market. Some of the best quality lapis lazuli in the world is sold on Ebay, including jewelry and home ornaments. 

How Much Does Lapis Lazuli Cost

Many people are shocked when they initially learn of the general lapis price. These are very inexpensive stones, and you’ll find you’re going to pay little over $5 for a generous piece of rock with potent vibratory frequency. 

Lapis lazuli generators that are bigger than an aubergine retail for about $20. This is largely unheard of within the commercial crystal market. 

Raw Lapis Lazuli For Sale

Most lapis is sold raw, thanks to how naturally vibrant the stones are when they initially come from the ground. Some people prefer tumbled stones that appear to be a bit more polished, but at the core there is always raw lapis holding everything together. 

Find raw lapis lazuli for sale near you on various e-commerce platforms, independent brand websites and local esoteric stores. 

Fake Lapis Lazuli

Though uncommon, fake lapis lazuli is always a possibility. There are manufacturers out there who would rather produce replica stones than source the real things, which is why it is so important to be selective about from whom and where one buys their crystals. 

Fake lapis lazuli is made using glass, chalk, dye, and remnants of other stones. 

How to Spot Fake Lapis Lazuli

Synthetic versions of lapis lazuli tend to be more opaque than the real thing. Lapis is solid and always has a depth to it that cannot be replicated by other minerals. 

Fake lapis is likely to be dull, and more visually in line with what we know to be sodalite. 

Real Lapis Lazuli  

Real lapis lazuli is where you want to focus and spend your money. Real lapis lazuli jewelry will deliver benefits into your life that a replica stone simply cannot, so be discerning with where and from whom you purchase these stones. 

All forms of synthetic lapis, including dyed lapis lazuli, will not hold any of the metaphysical properties necessary for successful energy healing work. 

Pure lapis, or real lapis, is the only acceptable selling point for this particular mineral. There are some manmade stones that still offer healing properties, but lapis lazuli is not one of them. 

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to lapis lazuli! 

If you are interested in incorporating crystals into your life, you should consider a mindful breathing necklace made of a crystal that resonates with you. Mindful breathing jewelry made of crystals not only help provide the benefits of the crystal you choose to wear, but they can also be used to help slow your breath, leading to a greater sense of calm and serenity. Also, if you are interested in reading more about anxiety and crystals, check out our comprehensive blog post on the 15 Best Crystals for Anxiety!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

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