Lapis Lazuli, often referred to as the “Night Stone” due to its color, is a natural stone typically formed through the contact metamorphism of limestone. This gemstone has been widely used for decoration and jewelry since ancient civilizations. With its deep blue hue, ranging from semi-transparent to opaque, it was highly valued, especially by the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Composed of several minerals including calcite, lazurite, pyrite, noselite, sodalite, and hauynite, Lapis Lazuli is technically more of a rock than a mineral. It owes its mesmerizing blue shades to lazurite, while the golden yellow flecks come from pyrite and the occasional white hues are contributed by calcite.
What Are the Characteristics of Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli, the stone known as the ‘Night Stone’, has several notable characteristics:
- Its hardness varies around 5 to 5.30,
- The specific gravity ranges between 2.4 and 2.6,
- It displays a sparkling yellow pyrite shimmer,
- It mainly appears in dark blue and navy colors,
- It is mined in various countries not always in its pure form,
- When mixed with hydrochloric acid, it releases H2S gas.
What Are the Benefits of Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli has been utilized since ancient times for its numerous benefits. This stone is a symbol of honor, spirit, divinity, and nobility. Exalted for its virtues, Lapis Lazili offers a range of benefits:
- It promotes self-worth and confidence.
- Acts as an energy booster.
- Helps alleviate fears in young children.
- Strengthens bones and supports a robust skeletal system.
- Prevents respiratory illnesses.
- Assists in maintaining regular and healthy functioning of the thyroid glands.
- Helps regulate blood pressure.
- Clears the mind and exerts positive effects on mental health.
- Reduces anxiety and stress.
- Prevents miscarriage in pregnant women.
- Invigorates the body.
- Aids in making rational decisions by balancing the heart and mind.
What Does Lapis Lazuli Mean?
The meaning of Lapis Lazuli is synonymous with the symbolism of the skies. The connection to the ‘symbol of the skies’ stems from its celestial blue color. This precious stone, cherished for its deep blue, semi-transparent opaque essence, especially by the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, literally translates to “Stone of the Sky.”
How to Identify Genuine Lapis Lazuli?
To determine if Lapis Lazuli is authentic, one can inspect the various minerals contained within it. Recognizing its characteristic features can help distinguish between genuine and imitation stones. Key indicators of genuine Lapis Lazuli include:
- True Lapis Lazuli appears semi-transparent to opaque with a shine of pyrite. If absent, the stone might be a fake.
- When held up to light, genuine Lapis Lazuli should sparkle and have a smooth texture. A rough texture indicates an imitation.
How to Clean Lapis Lazuli?
Cleaning Lapis Lazuli can be done in a few ways:
- The stone can be purified by leaving it in sunlight.
- Burying the stone in the earth overnight for cleansing.
- Smudging the stone as a method of purification.