What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli comes under the category of Metamorphic Rock. It’s composition is mainly lazurite with calcite, sodalite, and pyrite. Lapis Lazuli is often found in shades of deep blue or purple which also contribute to the meaning behind its name. It was popular with artists who ground it down for its pigment. It is known for bringing wisdom and self-expression.

Take a look at our essential guide to healing gemstones and find a crystal that captures you.

The Origin & History of Lapis Lazuli

• Known as the Wisdom Stone
• One of the highest regarded gems in Egypt 
• Used by Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel

With a name that dances on the tongue, rich history with royalty and artists, and a shimmering deep blue hue that leaves eyes wide in awe, Lapis Lazuli is the epitome of all we adore about the mystical world of healing crystals.

Celebrated as being The Wisdom Stone, Lapis Lazuli was loved by the Ancient Egyptians and in paintings and scrolls is often seen adorning the Pharaohs, Queens, and Goddesses. Back then, it wasn’t just used as a jewel, but was even ground down to become eyeshadow and elixirs. The beautiful blue stone was one of the highest regarded gems in Egypt. It came from the oldest mines in the world was given to those of great prestige. From the sarcophagus to the breastplate of the high priest, few jewels in the world rose to the status that Lapis Lazuli was able to reach.

In Persian folklore and across the ancient shores of South America, the stone was said to be the starry sky shrunken down into a precious gem, perhaps already holding all the knowledge of the universe. In Islam, it was chosen to be a protector against the evil eye, and Buddhists too would turn to this stone as its soft healing energy paved the way to inner peace.

Even when we entered the middle ages and European shores, Lapis Lazuli hadn’t lost its celebrated splendor. Catherine the Great fell hard for the rich blue hues and had a whole room adorned in Lapis Lazuli. Michelangelo ground it down to blue pigment powder to make a striking shade of blue that we can see to this very day when turning our eyes heavenward when walking through the Sistine Chapel. What is it about Lapis Lazuli that ignites the mind and calls to the soul? Let’s delve deep into its healing properties and find out more about this spellbinding stone and its glorious blue color.

For more information on the worlds most enchanting healing gems, check out our essential crystal guide right here. 

Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties

Lapis Lazuli comes from many far corners of the earth including the mystic corners of Afghanistan, the Ancient Roman shores of Italy, the new worlds of the USA and the wine-soaked lands of Chile. With a name that directly translates to Blue Stone in the old tongue of Latin, color is the first thing that calls to you when it comes to Lapis Lazuli. A shimmering shade of deep blue, sometimes flecked with gold and with violet shades shot through, it’s no wonder Renaissance painters fell head over heels for this otherworldly poetic color. But beyond the bright indigo and marine blue marriage of shades, Lapis Lazuli holds a whole host of healing properties and is known for revealing deep inner truths, inviting you into authenticity and showing you the magic of your own mighty will. Here are all the ways in which Lapis Lazuli can help you live your very best life and get into full alignment with your own true soul.

Physical Healing Properties

• Helps with depression and insomnia
• Soothes throat and thyroid issues

Just glancing at Lapis Lazuli is enough to lower your blood pressure. Its serene shades shift something inside, cleansing you from tip to toe in gentle grace. It’s a beautiful booster for the immune system, especially in times when you have been feeling sluggish, low, or just out of whack with life. Depression, insomnia, and vertigo are all conditions where Lapis Lazuli isn’t shy about lending a hand. It’s a stone that entices you back to balance mentally and this has an amazing knock on effect when it comes to keeping us upright in our physical lives.

Lapis Lazuli also soothes inflammation and fights for both the respiratory and the nervous system. It unblocks problems with the throat and the thyroid. If you suffer from sore throats, vocal chord issues, or organ complaints, this stone works to flush the system and keeps you thriving.

Mental & Emotional Healing Properties

• Helps with truth and self-awareness
• Encourages self expression and bonds

Say yes to self-awareness and climb out of the shadows of suppression when you invite even more Lapis Lazuli meaning into your life. This healing crystal brings its rich shades of blue and regal flecks of golden pyrite to remind you of your own worth. It’s an incredible stone for bringing out that stashed away self-knowledge that leads to authenticity and the freedom to live in one’s truth. If you struggle to put yourself out there, if your confidence has been cut, then bringing the healing power of Lapis Lazuli into your daily life can be a complete gamechanger.

As it’s a stone that encourages self-expression and invites you to speak the truth, this makes it an amazing tool for bonding relationships and forging close-knit friendships with those who can serve the true you. Being able to speak our truth is one of the most important things we can do to raise the vibrations of our soul. It helps us to stand true and strong in our own light, it cuts down on pent up frustration and anger, and it makes us more decisive in picking paths (both big and small) that are right for us.

The truth can be tough sometimes, but its important to turn over that stone and see what sits beneath. Yes, you may find limitations, but you will also find the incredible chance for growth and glory. The Lapis Lazuli crystal reminds us not to be afraid.

Metaphysical Properties

• Connected to the third eye chakra
• Connected to the throat chakra 

The transcendental colors of Lapis Lazuli give the hint that this stone is definitely connected to the spirit realms. Of course, Lapis Lazuli is linked to the Third-Eye Chakra. This chakra is known for being the eye of consciousness, the one that sees all. As the sixth chakra its heavily motivated by knowledge, intuition, wisdom, and insight – basically all the things that help us to unravel our many layers to get to the core. If you have a block in your Third Eye you may feel it tricky to concentrate, to connect, and to keep your cool especially when the world around you falls into chaos. Stress, illness, and emotional upset can all have an effect on your third eye chakra. When you awaken your Third Eye chakra you may have the ability to see further and to use the dark blue lapis to tap into hidden psychic abilities. 

Lapis Lazuli is ever the stone to go one step further and it doesn’t stop at your Third Eye Chakra but also takes your Throat Chakra into account. As mentioned, it’s a Stone of Wisdom, and communication is also wrapped up in that. When the Throat Chakra is blocked you may struggle to feel heard, understood or you may just shy away from confrontation and expression altogether. Using Lapis Lazuli to unblock your throat and let the truth flow is going to give you that burst of confidence, clarity, and the ability to stand up for yourself that you may have been missing.

Zodiac Birthstone

• The stone for Sagittarius 
• Good for Taurus, Libra, and Virgo

The major stone for Sagittarius, those born in the winter months can make the most of the midnight starry hues of the Lapis Lazuli stone. Sagittarians have many traits that connect them intrinsically with the blue stone. Often celebrated for being honest and forthright, but sometimes free from tact, Lapis Lazuli invites softer shades of communication so that you can speak your truth without tipping into upset.

Sag’s can also be highly independent creatures and having Lapis Lazuli as an amulet works wonders with that, ensuring you get time that is truly your own without compromising on those close-knit relationships that are so important to help you rise up. Those born under the banner of Sagittarius also love a good philosophical debate, and as Lapis Lazuli is the stone of knowledge and wisdom, again, it encourages that light to shine.

Libra, Taurus, and Virgo’s can also pick Lapis Lazuli to be their birthstone. The deep-water elements and the time for thought playing right into the hands of all those winter born babes.

Using the Lapis Lazuli Stone

Check out our healing Lapis Lazuli Bracelet!

• Wear to tap into inner wisdom
• Welcome in the home to protect from negative energy

Welcome Lapis Lazuli into your life and make the most of the truth, wisdom, and spiritual wonder this stone brings to the table. Whether you choose gemstone jewelry to light up your daily life, or tumbled stones to sit at an altar of your making, whichever path you take, you will reap the benefits of this beautiful jewel. Here are all the ways you can say a big heartfelt yes to Lapis Lazuli…

Home & Office 

Let Lapis Lazuli loose in your home and let the atmosphere soak up the spirit of heavenly gold and blue. Another bright and bountiful benefit of Lapis Lazuli is its ability to protect you from negative energy. Like a shield out on the battlefield, this blue stone takes the hit so your soul doesn’t have to. Another way in which Lapis Lazuli was used in ancient times was to ward off psychic attacks. This is a great stone to introduce to your office or working space, especially if you want a hand in matters of communication. Its deep wisdom will help you to find the way and problem-solving comes from a place of intuitive knowledge meaning that many missteps can be avoided.

As a highly spiritual stone, Lapis Lazuli can be an effective tool to use in dream work. If you want to shake off insomnia and go deep into the dream world, then place Lapis Lazuli close to your bed or beneath your pillow as you sleep and let it do the work of enchantment.

Jewelry

Queens like Cleopatra, priests and pharaohs like King Tutankhamen have forever turned to the beautiful blue hues of Lapis Lazuli in jewelry, it's not hard to understand why. This stone is a showstopper and even healing properties aside, it looks absolutely glorious when worn around the neck, wrist or slipped upon the finger. The stone is beautifully complemented by gold which helps to mirror the flecks of Pyrite caught between the shades of blue.

Jewelry is one of the best ways to wear Lapis Lazuli and indeed, any healing stone. Having direct skin contact means that your body can soak up all those high vibrations. When you wear a Lapis Lazuli bracelet - the gem has the opportunity to send the sparks of its power directly where it is needed in the body, mind, and soul.

Other gemstones that complement the intuitive power of Lapis Lazuli include Labradorite with its well-matched mystical vibes, Howlite with its special powers of attunement, and Sodalite with its ability to bring emotional balance and settle the soul from panic attacks. In fact, any semi-precious stones that come in shades of ultramarine and riddled with the healing flow of white calcite will be a glorious match in raising the powers of Lapis Lazuli.

How to Cleanse Your Gemstone

• Cleanse with water 
• Charge with other gems

If you want to keep your Lapis Lazuli dreamy and ever ready to bring its healing powers to your door, it's important to keep the stone cleansed and charged when necessary. Warm soapy water is the simplest way to keep your gemstone gleaming clean although make sure that you avoid temperatures that are too hot when caring for your stone. Be sure to rinse it with fresh cool water to remove the soapy residue and dry thoroughly with something soft.

If you want to charge up your Lapis Lazuli then leave it overnight in a bowl with tumbled Hematite to soak up the energy it no longer needs and refuel it with finery. Lapis Lazuli is a water stone and therefore the simple act of H2o can lead to it bringing that born-again energy to the table.

This is one of nature’s finest gifts, so as much as you can be sure to keep your Lapis Lazuli away from toxins and chemicals. For centuries - this stone has survived on love and natural care and this is what you should do to keep it connected to its spirit realm.

Geological Properties

Lapis Lazuli Rock Properties

Chemical Classification	Rock
Chemical Formula	(Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)2
Crystal system	Isometric
Color	Deep blue, sometimes with golden pyrite inclusions
Streak	Light blue
Luster	Waxy to dull
Transparency	Opaque
Occurrence	Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, Canada, USA
Formation	Metamorphic
Diaphaneity	Opaque
Cleavage	None
Mohs Hardness	5 to 5.5
Specific Gravity	2.7 to 2.9
Diagnostic Properties	Deep blue color with gold flecks of pyrite
Chemical Composition	Primarily composed of lazurite (Na,Ca)_8(AlSiO_4)_6(S,SO_4,Cl)_2), with variable amounts of calcite, pyrite, and other minerals
Crystal System	Isometric
Optical Properties	Opaque
Refractive Index	1.5
Birefringence	None
2V angle	None
Dispersion	None
Other characteristics	Commonly used in jewelry and ornamental objects

Final Thoughts on Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is truly a divine gift from the gods. Few gemstones come with such illustrious history and even after all this time, still manages to bring the wow factor to the party. Having Lapis Lazuli in your life just seems to give things a spiritual shake up. It’s like the night sky blotting out all those troubles of the day and replacing worries with the comforting light of flickering stars. It makes it so that negative emotions just cannot survive in the world it builds around you. The stone has an incredible way of keeping your feeling safe and protected but in a way that doesn’t leave you closed. Your communication and your heart remain open and ready.

For all those who feel they struggle to tap into that well of wisdom and intuition that sits inside us all, Lapis Lazuli could be the medicine you need to find that magic.

What do you think of Lapis Lazuli? Do you see the allure? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and together let’s celebrate this historical and heavenly stone.

Lapis Lazuli FAQs

What does Lapis Lazuli do?

Lapis Lazuli is one of the most mystical gemstones out there. Known as a stone of wisdom, this gold and blue gem can help you to tap into your inner intuition and to clear any blockages from your third eye. It also invites self-expression, creative thinking, and brings clarity and confidence to the forefront.

What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful blue or purple crystal. It comes from metamorphic rock and is usually a mixture of calcite, sodalite, and pyrite which all give it that unique coloring of white, blue, and gold. Lapis Lazuli was a popular stone to grind down because of its gorgeous color pigment. It is a gemstone that means wisdom and self-expression.

What is Lapis Lazuli good for?

Lapis Lazuli is a great stone for clearing out blockages in the throat and the third eye chakra. When these chakras are clear we are better equipped to harmonize our voice with our heart and our decision making with our intuition. It also helps us to raise our energy levels, kickstart a creative spark, and find the confidence and clarity we need to move out of confusion.

Where is Lapis Lazuli found?

Lapis Lazuli can be found across the world but some popular spots for mining this magical stone include Afghanistan, the USA, Chile, Italy, Siberia, and Myanmar.

How to cleanse Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli (like all crystals) benefits from a quick cleanse every now and then to flush it of any stagnant energy. The best way to cleanse your Lapis Lazuli is to run it under tepid water for a quick discharge. While Lapis can go in water, we don’t recommend prolonged exposure. A quick dip will do the job. You can also cleanse it with smudging techniques and by leaving it in the light of the moon.

What is Lapis Lazuli used for?

Lapis Lazuli can be used for healing the body, mind, and spirit. It is used to open the throat chakra and the third eye chakra and to bring wisdom, understanding, and clarity to all those who wear it or keep it close by. You can also use Lapis Lazuli to protect you from negative energy, to help with dream work, and to overcome the habit of worrying.

How to charge Lapis Lazuli?

One of the best ways to charge Lapis Lazuli is to leave it in the moonlight or to place it in a bowl with tumbled hematite, clear quartz, or selenite. You can also charge Lapis Lazulite by smudging it or holding it in your dominant hand and sending it a clear message of intention.

Is Lapis Lazuli real?

Yes, Lapis Lazuli is a true gemstone found in nature. It has been around for over 7000 years and has made quite the impression on everyone from Pharaohs to artists. Lapis Lazuli is a member of the sodalite family and is often made up of lazurite, sodalite, and even pyrite among other minerals. It may be known for its mystical and dreamy healing qualities but it is a very real and present stone.

Where to find Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli is mined all over the world but one of the main places it is mined is in the Kokcha River Valley of Afghanistan. You can find Lapis Lazuli at any reputable crystal dealers. Always make sure you pick a professional gemstone dealer so you know the Lapis Lazuli you get is the real deal.

What chakra is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli is connected to both the throat chakra and the third eye chakra. The throat chakra is the place from where we speak our heart-felt truths and is linked to how we express ourselves in this world. The third eye is our gateway to inner wisdom and intuition. It helps us to learn to see deeper and to lean into trusting ourselves and our own instincts.

What does Lapis Lazuli mean?

With a name that translates to ‘heaven stone’, Lapis Lazuli stays true to its elevated title. Lapis means stone in Latin and Lazuli comes from the medieval Latin word (borrowed from both Persian and Arabic) for sky or heaven. As a lofty gemstone with links to wisdom and the third eye chakra, Lapis Lazuli can indeed help you climb higher.

Can Lapis Lazuli get wet?

Lapis Lazuli scores between a 5 and a 6 on the Mohs hardness scale meaning that it can get wet without causing too much damage to the stone. However, as with all crystals, you should be careful about exposing your gemstone to water for prolonged periods of time as this can affect the calcite in the stone and may contribute to Lapis losing its luscious shine.

How to get Lapis Lazuli?

If you want to welcome Lapis Lazuli into your life then you can find many ways of doing this. From tumbled stones to gemstone jewelry, icons and carvings, and even raw Lapis - you should be able to find varieties of this gem from any reputable gemstone seller.

How to tell if Lapis Lazuli is real?

There are a few methods for telling if your Lapis Lazuli is real. First, look at the stone. A real Lapis Lazuli will be imperfect and will have traces of other minerals in there - look for the golden flecks of pyrite and white veins. It will also have a color and texture that isn’t uniform as each gemstone is unique. Lapis should feel cool to the touch whereas a fake Lapis made from glass may warm in your hands.

What does Lapis Lazuli look like?

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful stone with shades of blue, purple, white, and even flecks of gold. It’s deep blue color is sometimes described as indigo and the gold flecks are fragments of pyrite. It can also have white veins running throughout which are usually a product of sodalite in the stone. It has an intense color and can be polished to a bright luster.

How to use Lapis Lazuli?

There are many ways to use Lapis Lazuli for healing and heightened perception. One of the best ways to make the most of Lapis Lazuli’s power and potent healing properties is to wear it against the skin. Having direct contact with the body helps it to continually raise vibrations and ward off psychic attacks. You can also place Lapis Lazuli in the home to help with communication or you can place it under your pillow for dreamwork. You can also press Lapis Lazuli on your throat or third eye chakra space to cleanse any blockages.

Is Lapis Lazuli expensive?

The price of Lapis Lazuli can vary greatly with costs ranging from between $1 to $100 per carat. While Lapis Lazuli can be a highly affordable stone, the higher the quality the higher the cost. Rough Lapis may be cheaper but it won’t have the same polished finish and glossy look as a tumbled piece.

What color is Lapis Lazuli?

The color of Lapis Lazuli can range from midnight blue to indigo. It is usually ultramarine shades with flecks of gold that come from the presence of pyrite and white veins that could be a bi-product of the mineral Sodalite.

What does Lapis Lazuli symbolize?

With its midnight blue hues flecked with golden pyrite stars, Lapis Lazurite has long been associated with ideas of courage, strength, communication, creativity, and wisdom. For those who want a stone that can ward off evil, prevent psychic attacks, and balance the throat and the third eye chakras, Lapis is sure to serve you well.

How to tell the difference between sodalite and Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli will usually have a brighter blue color than Sodalite which tends to have a more gray or even dark blue to black tint to it. Lapis will also probably have pyrite inclusions in it whereas sodalite will not. Check the stone to see if there are golden flecks and if so, its Lapis.

Is Lapis Lazuli rare?

Lapis Lazuli has rare features and supremely high quality Lapis Lazuli cabochons are considered to be rare and therefore are highly prized on the market. However, on the whole Lapis Lazuli is not an expensive stone and is therefore not considered to be too rare.

Where to buy Lapis Lazuli stones?

You can pick Lapis Lazuli up pretty easily as while it's a beautiful stone it isn’t one of the rarest stones to find. You should be able to buy Lapis lazuli from any reputable gemstone seller. Always make sure that your crystal is the real deal and sourced in the most ethical way possible - for this you usually need to find a good gemstone dealer.

Does Lapis Lazuli fade in sunlight?

Lapis Lazuli shouldn’t fade in sunlight as it isn’t super sensitive to the charging light. However, you should limit exposing any crystal to direct sunlight for too long. However, Lapis Lazuli shouldn’t lose that beautiful blue color in the sun.

How much is Lapis Lazuli?

The price of Lapis Lazuli can vary depending on the quality, cut, and size of the gemstone. The cost will also change depending on whether you buy a raw piece of Lapis or a polished or carved piece. Generally, you can expect to pay anything between $1 and $100 for Lapis Lazuli.

How to polish Lapis Lazuli jewelry?

The easiest way to clean and polish Lapis Lazuli jewelry is with warm soapy water. Make sure to pat dry the Lapis Lazuli and polish the actual gemstone using a soft cloth - the softer and smoother, the better the shine you can achieve on your beautiful blue gemstone.

What is the gold in Lapis Lazuli?

The golden flecks that appear in Lapis Lazuli are actually Pyrite. Pyrite is a mineral with a golden gleam that is often called ‘fool's gold’ as it shares many visual properties with the precious metal. The golden flecks contrast beautifully against the indigo hues of the gemstone.

Can Lapis Lazuli kill you?

Lapis Lazuli cannot kill you, nor is it considered to be a dangerous stone. However, it can contain Pyrite which in turn can contain copper and this means it shouldn’t be left in water.

How to work with Lapis Lazuli?

There are many ways to work with Lapis Lazuli depending on what results you want from this intuitive and precious gem. You can choose to wear Lapis Lazuli in jewelry form to fend off psychic attacks and to tap into that deep healing power around the clock. You can use Lapis in reiki for chakra healing or simply place it on your throat chakra or your third eye chakra to facilitate better communication and connection to your own wisdom. You can also use Lapis in feng shui by inviting it into the home and letting it ease communication and keep your space free from negative energy.

Is Lapis Lazuli a mineral?

Lapis Lazuli is not considered to be a mineral but is actually a rock that has been colored that lazurite. Lapis Lazuli can also contain other minerals within its makeup including golden pyrite and calcite.

Is Lapis Lazuli more expensive than gold?

Once upon a time Lapis Lazuli was considered to be more expensive than gold. Lapis has been around for thousands of years and was highly desirable. Lapis was often ground down to pigment form to be the color blue and this color was five times the price of gold and reserved only for those who could afford it.

How to clean Lapis Lazuli crystal?

As it scores between a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale there are many ways you can clean your Lapis Lazuli without worrying too much. A quick and easy way is to run it under tepid water for a quick discharge. You can also use swift non invasive techniques like smudging and sound baths or you can leave it in the light of the moon.

Is Lapis Lazuli a crystal?

Lapis Lazuli is considered to be a stone rather than a crystal, although in modern vernacular these terms are often used interchangeably. Lapis is a semi-precious stone with beautiful deep indigo hues and golden flecks.

What month is Lapis Lazuli a birthstone for?

Lapis Lazuli is the birthstone for December, but it’s also the alternative birthstone for January and September. It is a gemstone that is often linked with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius as it invites them to soften their communication. It can also be used beautifully by those who are born under the banner of Taurus, Libra, and Virgo.

How valuable is Lapis Lazuli?

The deep blue cabochons of Lapis Lazuli are actually considered to be quite rare and because of this, they are highly sought after. However, on the whole Lapis Lazuli is not considered to be a rare stone. The most valuable Lapis Lazuli is the Afghan or Persian Lapis as it has a beautiful color saturation and even formation.

Is Lapis Lazuli a metamorphic rock?

Yes, Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock. This beautiful blue and gold mineral forms when marble or limestone has been altered by an igneous mass intrusion ‘cooking’ close by. It is often born from contact metamorphism.

What healing properties does Lapis Lazuli have?

Lapis Lazuli has many healing properties. This pretty indigo and gold gemstone is known for cleansing the throat and third eye chakras and can be used to ward off psychic attacks. As a stone geared towards wisdom and communication, Lapis Lazuli can also help connect you to clarity, integrity, and intuition.