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Lapis Lazuli
Facts, Information and Description
Lapis Lazuli is listed as the traditional birthstone for December as well as the cabochon birthstone for September. It is also the Planetary stone for Capricorn and the birthstone for Libra. Lapis may be given as a gem on the 7th and 9th wedding anniversary.
Lapis is considered a rock, not a mineral. It combines various minerals, mostly lazurite, but also contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue) and pyrite (fools' gold, a metallic yellow) and to be considered a mineral it would have only one component.
Top quality lapis lazuli comes from Afghanistan where is has been mined for more than 6000 years, but is also found in Siberia, Chile, the U.S., Pakistan, and Canada.
A strong blue, sometimes with a hint of violet, lapis lazuli's value decreases with the presence of white patches (calcite), while small veins of pyrite are often prized.
A soft stone, 5 -5.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, lapis lazuli is one of the most valuable semi opaque stones.
Folklore, Legend and Healing Properties
Strengthens total awareness, creativity, ESP, skeleton, thyroid, helps to expand viewpoint. It is believed to improve sleep and cure insomnia.
The Romans used lapis as an aphrodisiac. Lapis lazuli is an ancient gem, and as such, has a storied history. Egyptian cultures made a practice of burying a lapis lazuli scarab with their dead, and believed it to offer protection. They used Lapis for seals and often carved it into vases and figurines.
During ancient times lapis was ground up and used for medicinal purposes as well as a cosmetic. The ground powder was mixed with milk and used as a compress to relieve ulcers and boils and, during the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was believed to maintain the skeleton in healthy condition while keeping the spirit free from the negative emotions of fear and jealousy. The very earliest cultures valued lapis lazuli more highly than gold. Greeks spoke of an ancient sapphire which was included with gold, and this was unmistakenly lapis. Some believed that dreaming of lapis would foretell love that would be forever faithful.
When working or meditating with Lapis Lazuli, it can bring matters more clearly to the mind. It is one of the most powerful stones and should be used with care. Wearing a Lapis Lazuli ring can help you to become a channel. The ancient Egyptians used Lapis Lazuli as a symbol of Truth.
Lapis is used to energize the throat chakra and when placed over the brow chakra it induces a heightened state of awareness.
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