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Lapis Lazuli

The name of this gem is derived from the Latin word lapis, meaning "stone", and the Arabic word lazaward, meaning "blue" or "azure". Others believe the name is derived from the Arabic word lazawam, meaning "heaven".  It is a combination of minerals, primarily lazurite and calcite; pyrite is also contained in the prized Afghanistan lapis (mined in Afghanistan for more than 6,000 years).  Chilean lapis usually contains more visible calcite and minimal, if any, pyrite.

Powdered lazurite was once the source of the pigment ultramarine; used by the ancient Egyptians since before 3,100 BC in medicines, cosmetics (the first eye shadow), and paintings.

Lore

As might be expected a stone with as much history as lapis has quite a bit of lore attached to it. 

Lapis has been associated with kings and potentates since the beginnings of recorded history.  The ancient Egyptians believed lapis to be sacred, it was buried with royalty to protect and guide them in the afterlife.

In ancient Egypt "It appears to have been the rule to engrave certain special chapters of the Book of the Dead, among those referring to the heart, upon particular stones.  Thus, for instance, the 26th chapter was engraved on lapis-lazuli, the 27th upon feldspar, the 30th upon serpentine, and the 29th upon carnelian.  This may perhaps have been originally due to some association of the god principally invoked in the text with the precious substance upon which the text was engraved" ¹

"That lapis lazuli was as much favored for religious use by the aborigines of the New World as it was in ancient Egypt and in other parts of the Old World, is shown by the recent discovery of twenty-eight carefully formed cylindrical beads of lapis lazuli among some very ancient deposits in the island of La Plata, Ecuador" ²

Lapis was once worn to enhance the bearer's health and strength.  Today, lapis beads are still worn in India to ensure good health. 

Lapis lazuli is thought to aid in childbirth.  It has been used to treat skin diseases and to alleviate fever.

"Lapis can be placed over the third-eye [eg., a cabochon or crystal] to aid one in developing insight into ones own dreams.  It assists in providing a connection with the dream forces which are working to both guide and counsel one during altered states." ³

Lapis is one of the birthstones for September.

1) George Frederic Kunz  "The Curious Lore of Precious stones"

2)  George Frederic Kunz "The Magic of Jewels and Charms"

3)A. Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" pg. 235

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