Lapis Lazuli Crystal Meaning: Healing Properties, Benefits & Uses

Lapis Lazuli Properties and Meaning

What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue stone renowned for its vibrant blue hue and golden flecks, is a metamorphic rock that captures the mystical allure of the night sky. The lapis lazuli meaning resonates with inner truth and spiritual enlightenment, making it a universal symbol of wisdom. The name lapis comes from the Latin lapis, meaning "stone," and the Persian word lazhuward, linked to the colour blue, reflecting its celestial blue beauty. This highly spiritual stone, often called the "stone of truth," blends lazurite, calcite, and pyrite inclusions, creating rich blue hues speckled with gold flecks that evoke a starry night. Lapis lazuli is one of the most cherished semi-precious stones, its lapis lazuli meaning tied to enhancing intellectual ability and fostering inner peace. Lapis lazuli is found primarily in regions like Afghanistan and South America, where ancient deposits have captivated humanity since ancient times.

The History of Lapis Lazuli

  • Ancient Civilisations

  • Ancient Egypt

  • Middle Ages

  • Modern Spiritual Practices

The rich history of lapis lazuli spans millennia, with lapis lazuli found in artefacts from the ancient world. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was treasured by Ancient Egyptians for its deep blue colour, often ground into lapis lazuli stones for pigments used in art and burial ornaments, such as those adorning pharaohs’ tombs. Lapis lazuli symbolised divine connection, with its lapis lazuli meaning linked to the Sumerian goddess Inanna, representing power and protection. In ancient Persia, the Persian word lazhuward inspired its name, and lapis lazuli was crafted into cylinder seals, signifying authority. The Roman Empire valued this blue stone for its religious significance, incorporating lapis lazuli stones into sacred spaces.

During the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli’s beautiful blue was ground into ultramarine pigment, famously used in the Sistine Chapel, showcasing its enduring allure. Artists and healers revered this deep blue stone for its ability to inspire and shield against negative energy. Today, lapis lazuli remains a popular stone in gemstone jewellery and spiritual practices, its lapis lazuli meaning rooted in emotional healing and spiritual growth, making it a cornerstone of modern crystal healing.

Lapis Lazuli Associations

  • Chakras: Third Eye Chakra, Throat Chakra

  • Birthstone: September (traditional)

  • Zodiac: Sagittarius, Libra

  • Planet: Jupiter

  • Element: Air

  • Numerical Vibration: Number 3

  • Typical Colours: Deep blue with gold flecks

Lapis Lazuli Stone Benefits

Lapis lazuli is one of the most potent precious stones for unlocking inner vision and truth. This deep blue stone radiates healing properties, fostering emotional balance and spiritual growth. Lapis lazuli stones are celebrated for their connection to the third eye chakra, enhancing intuition, and the throat chakra, promoting honest communication. As a protection stone, lapis lazuli’s starry night appearance inspires inner peace, making it a cherished stone for those seeking clarity and enlightenment.

Physical Healing Properties

  • Supports Immune Health: Lapis lazuli is believed to bolster the body’s defences, aiding overall wellbeing.

  • Aids Respiratory System: This blue stone may ease breathing difficulties, supporting lung health.

  • Promotes Restful Sleep: Lapis lazuli’s calming energy is thought to alleviate insomnia, encouraging deep rest.

  • Reduces Headaches: Its healing properties are said to soothe migraines and tension.

The healing power of lapis lazuli extends to physical vitality. This deep blue stone supports the immune system, making it a splendid stone for those seeking resilience. Lapis lazuli is also linked to respiratory health, potentially easing conditions like asthma. By calming the nervous system, lapis lazuli promotes restful sleep, whilst its soothing energy may reduce headaches, enhancing daily comfort.

Mental and Emotional Healing Properties

  • Enhances Clarity: Lapis lazuli boosts mental focus, aiding decision-making and problem-solving.

  • Promotes Emotional Healing: This stone dissolves emotional blockages, fostering balance and calm.

  • Encourages Self-Expression: Lapis lazuli’s throat chakra connection supports honest communication.

  • Reduces Stress: Its serene energy helps dispel negative energy, promoting tranquillity.

Mentally, lapis lazuli is a beacon of clarity, enhancing intellectual ability and sharpening focus. Its emotional healing properties help release emotional blockages, making it ideal for those seeking emotional balance. By activating the throat chakra, lapis lazuli encourages authentic self-expression, whilst its connection to the third eye chakra fosters inner vision, reducing stress and guiding users toward inner truth.

Lapis Lazuli Meaning

Metaphysical Properties

  • Stimulates Intuition: Lapis lazuli’s third eye chakra alignment enhances psychic abilities and insight.

  • Fosters Spiritual Growth: This highly spiritual stone deepens meditation and spiritual awareness.

  • Amplifies Energy: Lapis lazuli metaphysical properties cleanse and align energies, uplifting the aura.

  • Protects Against Negativity: As a protection stone, lapis lazuli shields from harmful energies.

Lapis Lazuli metaphysical properties make it a cornerstone for spiritual seekers. This deep blue stone enhances intuition through the eye chakra, opening pathways to higher consciousness. Lapis lazuli’s starry night energy supports spiritual growth, deepening meditation and fostering connection to the divine. As a popular stone, lapis lazuli amplifies positive vibrations, with its metaphysical properties shielding against negative energy, making it essential for energy work.

Zodiac Birthstone

  • Sagittarius: Lapis lazuli enhances truth-seeking and wisdom for this sign.

  • Libra: Supports balance and harmony, aligning with Libra’s nature.

Lapis lazuli is one of September’s traditional birthstones, resonating with Sagittarius and Libra. For Sagittarians, this blue stone amplifies their quest for inner truth, whilst Librans benefit from lapis lazuli’s ability to promote emotional balance and harmony, aligning with its lapis lazuli meaning of enlightenment.

Using Lapis Lazuli

  • Meditation: Deepens focus and third eye chakra connection.

  • Healing Practices: Amplifies energy in spiritual sessions.

  • Talisman: Carried for protection and clarity.

  • Decoration: Enhances spaces with celestial blue energy.

Home & Office

Lapis lazuli in the home or office creates an atmosphere of wisdom and calm. Its vibrant blue hue, reminiscent of the night sky, inspires creativity and focus. Placing this deep blue stone in workspaces or meditation areas enhances intellectual ability and shields against negative energy, making lapis lazuli a perfect addition to any environment.

Jewellery

Lapis lazuli jewellery, such as necklaces or bracelets, is both stunning and meaningful. Wearing this beautiful blue stone keeps its healing properties close, supporting the third eye and throat chakra for clarity and communication. Lapis lazuli jewellery is a timeless way to embody its starry night energy daily.

Lapis Lazuli Jewellery

How to Cleanse Your Lapis Lazuli Gemstone

  • Running Water: Rinse with lukewarm water to cleanse lapis lazuli.

  • Moonlight: Charge lapis lazuli under the night sky to recharge its energy.

  • Smudging: Use sage to clear energies with a soft cloth to finish.

  • Selenite: Rest on selenite to revitalise this deep blue stone.

To cleanse Lapis Lazuli, rinse it briefly under lukewarm water, ensuring minimal exposure to preserve its rich blue hues. Charge lapis lazuli in moonlight to enhance its starry night connection. Smudging with sage and wiping with a soft cloth clears energies, whilst placing it on selenite rejuvenates this highly spiritual stone.

Geological Properties of Lapis Lazuli

Property

Description

Chemical Classification

Metamorphic rock

Chemical Formula

(Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₁₋₂ (Lazurite-based)

Crystal System

Cubic (lazurite component)

Colour

Deep blue with gold flecks

Streak

Light blue

Lustre

Vitreous to greasy

Transparency

Opaque

Occurrence

Lapis lazuli is found in Afghanistan, South America, Russia

Formation

Formed in metamorphosed limestone under high pressure

Diaphaneity

Opaque

Cleavage

Poor

Mohs Hardness Scale

5–5.5

Specific Gravity

2.4–2.9

Diagnostic Properties

Deep blue colour, pyrite inclusions, fluorescence under UV light

Chemical Composition

Lazurite, calcite, pyrite

Optical Properties

Isotropic

Refractive Index

~1.5

Other Characteristics

Soft, susceptible to scratches; avoid acids

Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of lazurite, giving it its iconic deep blue hue. Pyrite inclusions create golden flecks, whilst calcite adds white streaks. With a Mohs hardness scale rating of 5–5.5, lapis lazuli requires careful handling to avoid scratches on this soft stone.

Final Thoughts on Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone that mirrors the night sky, is more than a beautiful gem. Its rich history—from Ancient Egyptians to the Sistine Chapel—highlights its timeless appeal. Lapis lazuli meaning centres on inner truth, spiritual growth, and emotional healing, making it a highly spiritual stone for modern seekers. Whether used in meditation, gemstone jewellery, or as a protection stone, lapis lazuli’s vibrant blue hue and golden flecks inspire clarity and peace. This blue stone reminds us of the wisdom within, connecting us to the starry night of our inner vision.

Lapis Lazuli FAQs

  • What is lapis lazuli used for? Lapis lazuli is used for its healing properties, promoting intuition, communication, and emotional healing through the third eye and throat chakra.

  • Can lapis lazuli go in water? Briefly, yes, to cleanse lapis lazuli, but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent damage to this metamorphic rock.

  • Is lapis lazuli a natural stone? Yes, real lapis lazuli is a naturally occurring stone, though beware of fake lapis dyed to mimic its deep blue hue.

  • How do you identify real lapis lazuli? Look for its deep blue colour, golden flecks from pyrite inclusions, and a Mohs hardness scale of 5–5.5. Fake lapis lacks these traits.

  • Can lapis lazuli be worn every day? Lapis lazuli jewellery is safe for daily wear with care, as its Mohs hardness scale indicates softness.

  • How does lapis lazuli affect the chakras? Lapis lazuli aligns with the third eye chakra for intuition and the throat chakra for expression.

  • What is the Mohs hardness scale of lapis lazuli? Lapis lazuli rates 5–5.5, making it a delicate stone.

  • Does lapis lazuli fade in sunlight? Prolonged sunlight may dull its rich blue hues, so limit exposure.

  • Is lapis lazuli rare? High-quality lapis lazuli is found in limited regions, like Afghanistan, making it prized among precious stones.

  • Can lapis lazuli help with studying? Yes, lapis lazuli is good for enhancing intellectual ability and focus, ideal for learning.

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