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Lapis Lazuli

Photo: W.carter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lapis Lazuli

Also known as: Lapis

Royal blue rock flecked with gold pyrite, mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years and ground into ultramarine paint.

  • ColourRoyal blue, Gold flecks, White veins
  • Mineral groupRock (lazurite, calcite, pyrite)
  • ChemistryMainly lazurite (Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(SO₄,S,Cl)₂
  • Hardness (Mohs)5–5.5
  • Crystal systemRock (mixed minerals)
  • Where it's foundAfghanistan (Badakhshan), Chile, Russia (Lake Baikal)
  • ChakraThroat, Third Eye
  • ZodiacSagittarius, Libra

What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is a rock, not a single mineral. Its deep blue comes from lazurite, with white veins of calcite and golden flecks of pyrite. The mines of Sar-i Sang in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, have been worked for more than 6,000 years and still produce the finest lapis.

Lapis decorated Tutankhamun's golden mask, and Renaissance painters ground it into ultramarine, a pigment once more expensive than gold – used for the Virgin Mary's robes and in Vermeer's paintings. The name combines the Latin lapis (stone) and the Persian lāzhward (blue).

Lapis Lazuli astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsSagittarius, Libra
  • Ruling planetJupiter
  • ElementWater
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Lapis Lazuli meaning & traditional properties

Lapis lazuli is associated with wisdom, truth and self-expression – a stone of royalty and scholars in many ancient cultures.

  • Wisdom
  • Truth
  • Communication

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Lapis Lazuli

  • Wear lapis near the throat or keep it on a study desk.
  • Display a polished piece as a symbol of wisdom.

How to care for Lapis Lazuli

Relatively soft and porous. Avoid water soaking, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Some lapis is dyed or waxed. Wipe with a soft damp cloth.

Shop Lapis Lazuli

Hand-picked lapis lazuli crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Lapis Lazuli with a intuition & meditation ritual

A quiet meditation ritual for focus, intuition and clarity.

Traditionally paired with: Frankincense, myrrh, lotus or copal incense · A purple or white candle · Sage to clear the space

  • Clear the room with a little sage smoke and sit comfortably.
  • Light a purple or white candle and frankincense, lotus or copal incense.
  • Hold your crystal or rest it in front of you and breathe slowly for 5–10 minutes.
  • Note down any ideas or feelings that come up.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Lapis Lazuli jewellery & pendulums

Lapis Lazuli FAQs

What are the gold flecks in lapis?

Pyrite – 'fool's gold'.

Is lapis lazuli a mineral?

No, it's a rock made mainly of lazurite, calcite and pyrite.

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