History & Origin
Lapis Lazuli, with its blue depths dotted with golden sparkles, is much more than a simple gemstone; it's a veritable piece of history, shrouded in mystery. Originating in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, where it has been mined for over 6,000 years, lapis lazuli has seduced cultures the world over, from ancient Egypt to the European Renaissance, affirming its status as a symbol of power, wisdom and truth.
Egyptian pharaohs and queens adored it, grinding it to create heavenly-blue cosmetics and pigments, while Renaissance artists valued it for its ultramarine, a rare and prized pigment that adorned frescoes and works of art with a color of unparalleled intensity. A true gift from the heavens, this stone was seen as a bridge between the divine and the earthly, offering protection and guiding the spirit towards a deeper understanding of the universe.
Today, lapis lazuli continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion designers and jewelry aficionados alike, its deep, rich blue adding an undeniable touch of mystery and elegance to any outfit. When you wear lapis lazuli, you're not just adorning yourself with a stone of exceptional benefits, you're donning a fragment of history, a link to the kings, artists and visionaries who have shaped our world.
To celebrate lapis lazuli is to celebrate a heritage of beauty and wisdom that transcends the ages, bringing with it an aura of nobility and authenticity rarely equaled in the world of gems. The lapis lazuli stone, with its legendary benefits and hypnotic blue, continues to captivate those seeking to add a dimension of depth and sophistication to their personal expression.
Where does Lapis Lazuli come from?
Lapis lazuli, a stone world-renowned for its unique deep blue color, finds its most notable origins in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, notably in the Badakhshan region, a historic mining site that has been supplying the gem for over 6,000 years. Afghanistan remains the main supplier of quality lapis lazuli, but the stone is also mined in other parts of the world, including Chile, Russia, Canada and Argentina, adding to the diversity and richness of this gem on the international market.
Afghanistan: The Cradle of Lapis Lazuli
Afghanistan, with its high-altitude deposits in the northeastern mountains, is considered the cradle of lapis lazuli. The Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan province are famous for producing lapis of the highest quality, with a rich, intense blue color, often punctuated by pyrite resembling stars in a night sky. This provenance lends Afghan lapis lazuli an aura of prestige and value unmatched in the world of jewelry and gemology.
Other important deposits
Chile
Chile, in South America, offers lapis lazuli in slightly different shades, with a lighter blue color and often fewer pyrite inclusions. Chilean deposits are mainly located in the Coquimbo region, offering an interesting alternative to traditional lapis lazuli.
Russia
Russia's Ural Mountains are another source of lapis lazuli, although less prolific than Afghanistan or Chile. The stone extracted here is often used for objets d'art or decorative ornaments.
Canada and Argentina
Although less well known, Canada and Argentina also have lapis lazuli deposits, contributing to the diversity of the global market for this stone.
Lapis lazuli's rich provenance adds to its mystery and appeal, with each source offering unique nuances in color, texture and quality. By choosing lapis lazuli jewelry, you're not only connecting with the timeless beauty of this stone; you're also embracing a piece of the land that bears it, with its history and culture.
Physical characteristics
At the heart of every lapis lazuli stone is a universe of celestial beauty, a dance of colors where deep blue meets flashes of gold and white. This gem, with its undeniable charm, is renowned for its royal blue, as deep as the oceans and as vast as the night sky, studded with pyrite that twinkles like distant stars, and white calcite, which adds touches of soft clouds to its surface.
A captivating hue
Lapis lazuli is distinguished by its unique blue color, ranging from navy to ultramarine, a hue that has captured the imagination of men and women through the centuries. This deep, vibrant color is the stone's signature, giving it a mysterious, elegant allure.
Texture and Composition
The texture of lapis lazuli is another of its charms, offering a smooth surface that invites touching, while sometimes revealing natural inclusions that testify to its authenticity and geological history. Composed primarily of lazurite, lapis lazuli can also include calcite, pyrite and other minerals that contribute to its unique appearance and varied structure.
Durability
With a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on theMohs scale, lapis lazuli is robust enough to be worn with elegance on a daily basis, yet requires special care to preserve its beauty.
Properties
Lapis lazuli not only seduces with its beauty, it is also a source of profound benefits for both body and mind. Recognized since ancient times for its healing and spiritual benefits, lapis lazuli acts as a soothing balm on the soul while offering tangible benefits for physical health.
Physical benefits
On the physical level, lapis lazuli is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and purifying properties. The stone is said to help reduce tension, relieve headaches and stimulate the immune system. Its gentle yet powerful vibration can also benefit the throat and respiratory systems, facilitating better expression and breathing. In jewelry, wearing it every day is an elegant and practical way to invite its regenerating benefits into your life.
Psychic benefits
Psychically, lapis lazuli is a true ally for mental and emotional well-being. This stone encourages clarity of mind, helps overcome emotional blockages and stimulates inner harmony. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to foster self-confidence and strengthen intuition, making it an ideal companion for important decisions and personal growth.
Lapis lazuli is also known for its positive influence on creativity and communication. By dissipating stress and worry, it opens the door to more authentic expression and limitless inspiration, reminding wearers that, like the night sky, their potential is vast and filled with infinite possibilities.
By wearing lapis lazuli, you create a unique link between heaven and earth, between your physical and spiritual being. This stone serves as a constant reminder to seek balance, listen to your inner voice and embrace your true path with confidence and wisdom.
Lapis Lazuli: September birthstone
Lapis lazuli, with its deep blue evoking wisdom and truth, is traditionally associated with the month of September, making it the birthstone for those who come into the world during this month. This association is not just a matter of tradition; it also reflects the unique qualities that lapis lazuli shares with those born under the astrological signs of Virgo and Libra. People born in September are often recognized for their quest for balance and harmony, as well as for their integrity and intelligence, qualities that are echoed in lapis lazuli's symbolism.
Lapis lazuli encourages wisdom, intuition and the ability to communicate clearly, complementing and reinforcing the characteristics of September natives. By wearing this stone, people born in this month can experience a strengthening of their natural qualities, fostering a heightened sense of confidence and authentic expression of their true selves.
For those looking to celebrate their birth month or give a meaningful gift to a loved one born in September, our September birth jewelry collection features exquisite lapis lazuli pieces. Each piece is designed to honor the intrinsic beauty and specific benefits of this stone, creating a deep connection with the stars under which we were born.
Using Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is not only a stone of many benefits; it's also a symbol of sophistication and timeless elegance. Its deep blue hue, sprinkled with golden sparkles, makes it an accessory of choice for those seeking to combine style and well-being. Here's how to make lapis lazuli a mainstay of your daily life, combining the practical with the pleasurable.
Jewelry with character
Choose lapis lazuli jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets or earrings, to benefit from its benefits all day long. Choose pieces that speak to your personal style and highlight the stone, allowing its energy to synchronize with yours. Whether in a professional setting or on a chic night out, lapis lazuli is an eye-catcher while promoting communication and self-confidence.
Discover our lapis lazuli jewelry collection
Fashion Accessories and Decoration
Lapis lazuli isn't just for jewelry. Incorporate it into your everyday accessories, such as hair clips, watches or even cufflinks, to add a touch of refinement to your outfit. In your home, decorative objects in lapis lazuli, such as vases or lamps, can create a harmonious and stimulating space, reflecting your taste for beauty and well-being.
Meditation and reflection
Embrace the spiritual benefits of lapis lazuli by incorporating it into your meditation or reflection routines. Holding a piece of lapis lazuli or placing it on your desk can help clear your mind, stimulate your creativity and strengthen your concentration. It's an elegant way to stay grounded and foster a deep connection with your surroundings.
A meaningful gift
Giving lapis lazuli is a touching way to show your affection, by sharing its benefits with your loved ones. Whether to celebrate an achievement, encourage healing, or simply express gratitude, a gift of lapis lazuli carries with it an intention of well-being and elegance, making every moment a special occasion.
Stone care
Chic and timeless, lapis lazuli is a stone that deserves your full attention to preserve its mystical radiance and healing powers. Like any piece of haute couture, it requires delicate care to remain as dazzling as the day it was acquired. Here's how to pamper your lapis lazuli, ensuring its longevity and beauty.
Lapis lazuli appreciates tender care. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean it, avoiding hard brushes that could scratch its surface. A soft cloth or light sponge will suffice to rid it of accumulated impurities, making it as pure as the waves of a calm ocean. After cleaning, gently dry your stone with a soft cloth, without rubbing, to prevent scratching. To restore its luster, light polishing with a microfiber or velvet cloth can work wonders, evoking the softness of a caress.
Although robust, lapis lazuli does not appreciate extremes. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which could dull its celestial color, and keep it away from high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. These precautions ensure that its hue remains as deep as the night sky. Finally, to avoid scratches and knocks, lapis lazuli should have its own place in your jewelry box, preferably in a small cloth bag or lined box. This will protect it not only from direct contact with other jewels, but also from daily wear and tear, keeping it safe and secure.
Lapis Lazuli, more than a gemstone, is a life companion that combines beauty, history and well-being. Invite the elegance and benefits of Lapis Lazuli into your daily life and let this age-old gem inspire and guide you.
