Lapis Lazuli is a vivid blue stone composed of lazurite, with traces of calcite and shimmering pyrite. Though often mistaken as a single mineral, it is a natural blend and does not contain lazulite, despite the name. Its origins trace back to Latin and Persian or Arabic, meaning simply “blue stone.” Frequently imitated by materials like blue howlite or denim lapis, true Lapis Lazuli is prized for its rich color, golden flecks, and centuries of cultural significance.

For a selection with more colour contrast, see Lapis Lazuli B

Semi-Precious Stone

Lapis Lazuli was used extensively in ancient Egypt and Assyria for amulets carved with various symbols, scarab seals, signets and cylinder seals. It was the material for the image of Truth (Ma), which the Egyptian chief-justice and High Priest wore around his neck suspended with a gold chain. Ancient Egyptians believed the soul existed in the mind and was housed in the brain, and Lapis blue was a mental healer and soul purifier. Lapis was used to purge the soul of demonic possession by pulverizing the stone, mixing it with gold, making it into a poultice and placing it on the crown of the head. As it dried it would draw out the demons. In extreme cases, a small hole was drilled in the skull and the mixture was poured into the head. In Assyrian texts, the uknu, Lapis Lazuli, was one of the seven gemstones placed in an ornament to be worn on the breast of the king as an amulet. Its power was so great it was believed to constitute an ornament for the gods as well. In the Gilgamesh epic of the Babylonians, legends tell of trees which grow precious stones, and Lapis Lazuli grows from its crown. Lapis Lazuli ornamented the yellow girdles worn by Chinese emperors of the Manchu dynasty for the services in the Temple of Heaven. In Sumerian mythology, the goddess Inanna (a forerunner of Aphrodite and Venus) journeyed into the underworld carrying Lapis Lazuli rods and measured time and the length of a person’s life. It was believed crystals were the flesh of the gods and that the gods were crystal beings. One legend holds that King Solomon was given a special Lapis ring by an angel of the Lord that allowed him to control legions of demons which he used to build his temple.

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