Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of the Pharaohs, Symbol of Wisdom and Heavenly Truth

History and Myths: A Treasure Revered for 6000 Years

Lapis Lazuli is one of the gems with the oldest documented use, dating back more than 6000 years. Its main deposits, located in the remote mountains of Badakhshan in Afghanistan, are considered the oldest fine stone mining sites in the world, fueling ancient civilizations along the legendary Silk Road.

Egyptian and Mesopotamian Royalty

Lapis Lazuli's status as a royal and divine stone has been established by the greatest civilizations in history:

• Ancient Egypt: Lapis Lazuli was considered sacred, a symbol of heaven and the residence of the Gods. It adorned the funerary masks of the pharaohs, the most famous being that of Tutankhamun. It was used to make amulets in the shape of scarabs or eyes of Horus, supposed to offer protection, immortality and divine power to the deceased. The intense blue pigment, obtained by grinding, was also used as shadow (kohl) for the eyes.

• Mesopotamia and Sumer: In ancient Sumer, Lapis Lazuli was associated with the goddess Inanna, goddess of love, fertility and war. It was used for cylinder seals and jewelry, symbolizing wealth and power. It is even mentioned in theEpic of Gilgamesh.

• Greece and Rome: The Greeks called it the “sapphire of the Ancients” and associated it with wisdom and courage. The Romans attributed to him aphrodisiac properties.

From Painting to Spirituality

The history of Lapis Lazuli is also that of medieval and Renaissance art and spirituality:

• Ultramarine Pigment: Crushed into an extremely fine powder, Lapis Lazuli gave the ultramarine blue natural, the most expensive pigment in the history of art, even surpassing gold in value at certain times. It was reserved for the painting of the most sacred figures, such as the cloaks of the Virgin Mary in the frescoes of Giotto and the works of the great masters of the Renaissance (like Vermeer in The Girl with the Pearl Earring).

• Medieval Wisdom: In the Middle Ages, the stone was worn or ingested (after grinding and mixing with milk) to strengthen the limbs, prevent the mind from fear, doubt and envy, and stimulate robustness.

• The Egyptian Maat: Egyptian judges wore emblems of the goddess Maat (goddess of truth and justice) carved in Lapis Lazuli, thus reinforcing its symbolism of absolute truth.

Composition and Mineralogical Characteristics

Unlike the majority of fine stones, Lapis Lazuli is not a mineral, but a metamorphic rock — an aggregate of several minerals — which makes its structure and appearance unique.

Technical Sheet and Mineral Aggregate

The Three Essential Components

The characteristic appearance of high quality Lapis Lazuli is given by the interaction of three main minerals:

• Lazurite: It is the most important component (at least 25% is necessary to be called Lapis Lazuli) and the one which gives the rock its azure blue color deep, ranging from royal blue to blue-violet. The more uniform, deep and intense the color, without traces of white calcite, the more prized the stone.

• Pyrite: These small inclusions of iron sulphide, of a color metallic gold sparkling, are very appreciated. They give Lapis Lazuli its appearance of starry night sky, strengthening its connection with the cosmos and spirituality. However, stains that are too large or concentrated can degrade the quality.

• Calcite: This colored mineral white or grayish is generally present in small quantities in the form of veins or mottles. A high presence of calcite is an indicator of lower quality, because it dilutes the blue intensity of the lazurite.

Virtues and Properties in Lithotherapy: Wisdom, Truth and Communication

In lithotherapy, Lapis Lazuli is mainly recognized as the stone of truth, communication and inner wisdom. Its energy is both gentle, stable and deeply stimulating to the mind.

Action on the Chakras and the Mental Plane

Lapis Lazuli is an undisputed master of the higher chakras, playing a key role in intellectual and spiritual development:

Physical Benefits

In lithotherapy, Lapis Lazuli is a regulator and an anti-inflammatory which acts on the parts of the body that it most often affects, notably the throat and the head:

• Throat and Respiratory Disorders: It is known to relieve throat inflammation, vocal cords and respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis, cough), due to its high sulfur content (lazurite component) which gives it antibacterial properties.

• Head and Sleep: It is often used to relieve migraines and headaches linked to eye fatigue. Placed near the pillow, the stone is supposed to combat insomnia and provide restful sleep.

• Organic Systems: It is said to support the immune system, help cell regeneration and have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, thyroid, kidneys and digestive disorders (vomiting, stomach aches).

• Skin : Its anti-inflammatory properties are used to soothe skin irritations, rashes and minor burns.

Care and Precautions: The Ritual of Purity

Lapis Lazuli is a porous and relatively soft stone (hardness between 5 and 6), which requires precautions when maintaining it to preserve its shine and properties.

Purification (Energetic Cleansing)

Lapis Lazuli is sensitive to heat, chemicals (acidic soaps, solvents) and salt, which can damage the lazurite and alter the sulfur (pyrite).

• Distilled or Demineralized Water (Delicate): The gentlest and most recommended method is to quickly run the stone under a stream of warm, unsalted water or immerse it in distilled water, then dry it immediately with a soft cloth.

• Fumigation (Ideal): The safest method is fumigation (white sage, incense) or the use of a singing bowl.

Recharging (Energization)

Stone of celestial essence, Lapis Lazuli is recharged by cosmic and terrestrial energies:

• Lunar Light (recommended): It must be exposed to the light of the Moon (full moon or new moon) to amplify your energies of wisdom and intuition. Exposure to the sun should be avoided, as it could alter its deep blue.

• Crystalline Cluster: Place it on a pile of Rock Crystal or an Amethyst geode.

Recommended Stone Associations

Lapis Lazuli works harmoniously with other blue stones and those that support intuition and communication:

• Lapis Lazuli + Amethyst: For powerful synergy on the Third Eye. Amethyst increases spirituality and Lapis Lazuli ensures clarity of vision.

• Lapis Lazuli + Turquoise/Amazonite: For in-depth work on the Throat Chakra. This trio promotes fluid, sincere and peaceful communication, and balance of emotions.

• Lapis Lazuli + Rose Quartz: The combination of wisdom (Lapis Lazuli) and unconditional love (Rose Quartz) encourages the expression of truth with compassion.

Usage and Wearing

To benefit as much as possible from its virtues of communication and wisdom, Lapis Lazuli is ideally worn near the chakras that it influences:

• Pendant: Worn in Necklace, it acts directly on the Throat Chakra, promoting eloquence and the expression of truth.

• Meditation : Placed on the forehead during meditation, it stimulates the Third Eye and intuition.