History & Origin
Lapis Lazuli, with its blue depths dotted with golden shimmers, is much more than just a precious stone; it is a true piece of history, shrouded in mysteries. Native to the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, where it has been mined for over 6,000 years, lapis lazuli has captivated cultures across the world, from ancient Egypt to the European Renaissance, asserting its status as a symbol of power, wisdom and truth.
The pharaohs and queens of Egypt worshiped it, grinding it to create celestial 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 color of unparalleled intensity. This stone, a true gift from heaven, was considered a bridge between the divine and the earthly, offering protection and guiding the mind towards a deeper understanding of the universe.
Today, lapis lazuli continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion designers and jewelry aficionados, its rich, deep blue adding an undeniable touch of mystery and elegance to any outfit. By wearing lapis lazuli, you are not only adorning yourself with a stone with exceptional virtues, you are wearing a fragment of history, a link with the kings, artists and visionaries who have shaped our world.
To celebrate lapis lazuli is to celebrate a legacy of beauty and wisdom that transcends the ages, bringing with it an aura of nobility and authenticity rarely matched in the world of gems. The lapis lazuli stone, with its legendary virtues and hypnotic blue, continues to captivate those seeking to add a dimension of depth and sophistication to their personal expression.
Origin of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli, a stone world-famous for its unique deep blue color, finds its most notable origins in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, particularly in the Badakhshan region, a historic mining site that has supplied this gem for over 6000 years old. 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 deposits located at high altitudes in the northeastern mountains, is considered the birthplace of lapis lazuli. The Sar-e-Sang mines of Badakhshan province are famous for producing lapis of the highest quality, with a rich, intense blue color, often punctuated with pyrite resembling stars in a night sky. This provenance gives Afghan lapis lazuli an aura of prestige and unparalleled value in the world of jewelry and gemology.
Other important deposits
Chili
Chile in South America offers slightly different shades of lapis lazuli, 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
The Ural Mountains of Russia are another source of lapis lazuli, although less prolific than Afghanistan or Chile. The stone quarried here is often used for art objects or decorative ornaments.
Canada and Argentina
Although less known, Canada and Argentina also have deposits of lapis lazuli, contributing to the diversity of the global market for this stone.
The rich provenance of lapis lazuli adds to its mystery and appeal, with each source offering unique nuances in color, texture and quality. By choosing lapis lazuli jewelry, you are not only connecting to the timeless beauty of this stone; you also embrace a piece of the land that bears it, with its history and culture.
Physical characteristics
At the heart of each 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, dotted with pyrite which sparkles like distant stars, and white calcite, which adds to its surface touches of soft clouds.
A Captivating Shade
Lapis lazuli is distinguished by its unique blue color, varying from navy blue to ultramarine blue, a hue that has captured the imagination of men and women throughout the centuries. This color, both deep and vibrant, is the signature of the stone, giving it a mysterious and elegant appearance.
Texture and Composition
The texture of lapis lazuli is another of its charms, providing a smooth surface that invites touch, while sometimes revealing natural inclusions that speak to its authenticity and geological history. Composed primarily of lazurite, lapis lazuli may also include calcite, pyrite, and other minerals that contribute to its unique appearance and varied structure.
Sustainability
With a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale , lapis lazuli is sturdy enough to be worn elegantly every day, while requiring special care to preserve its beauty.
Virtues and Properties
Lapis lazuli not only seduces with its beauty, it is also a source of profound benefits, both for the body and the mind. Known since ancient times for its healing and spiritual properties, lapis lazuli acts as a soothing balm on the soul while providing tangible benefits for physical health.
Physical Benefits
On a physical level, lapis lazuli is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and purifying properties. This 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 valued for its ability to promote 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 dispelling stress and worry, it opens the door to more authentic expression and boundless inspiration, reminding wearers that, like the night sky, their potential is vast and filled with endless possibilities.
By wearing lapis lazuli, you create a unique bond 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 search for balance and harmony, as well as for their integrity and intelligence, qualities that are echoed in the symbolism of lapis lazuli.
Lapis lazuli encourages wisdom, intuition and the ability to communicate clearly, which complements and strengthens the characteristic traits of September natives. By wearing this stone, those born in this month may experience a strengthening of their natural qualities, promoting a heightened sense of confidence and an authentic expression of their true self.
For those looking to celebrate their birth month or give a meaningful gift to a loved one born in September, our September birthstone jewelry collection highlights exquisite lapis lazuli pieces. Each piece of jewelry is designed to honor the intrinsic beauty and specific virtues of this stone, creating a deep connection with the stars under which we were born.
The Use of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is not only a stone with multiple virtues; it is also a symbol of sophistication and timeless elegance. Its deep blue hue, dotted with golden sparkles, makes it an accessory of choice for those looking to combine style and well-being. Here's how to make lapis lazuli a pillar of your daily life, combining business with pleasure.
Character Jewelry
Opt for lapis lazuli jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, to benefit from its virtues throughout the day. 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 during a chic outing, lapis lazuli attracts attention while promoting communication and self-confidence.
Discover our collection of lapis lazuli jewelry
Fashion Accessories and Decoration
Lapis lazuli is not limited to jewelry. Integrate it into your everyday accessories, like hair clips, watches, or even cufflinks, to add a touch of refinement to your outfit. In your interior, decorative objects made of 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 virtues 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, boost your creativity, and strengthen your focus. It's an elegant way to stay grounded and foster a deep connection with your surroundings.
A Gift with Meaning
Giving lapis lazuli is a touching way to show your affection, by sharing its benefits with your loved ones. Whether to celebrate an accomplishment, encourage healing, or simply express gratitude, a lapis lazuli gift carries with it an intention of well-being and elegance, making every moment a special occasion.
Stone maintenance
Chic and timeless, lapis lazuli is a stone that deserves your full attention to preserve its mystical radiance and its beneficial powers. Like any haute couture piece, it requires delicate maintenance 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 harsh brushes that could scratch its surface. A soft cloth or light sponge will be enough 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 scratches. To restore its luster, a light polishing with a microfiber or velvet cloth can work miracles, recalling the softness of a caress.
Lapis lazuli, although robust, does not appreciate extremes. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight which could dull its celestial color, and keep it away from high temperatures and harsh chemicals. These precautions ensure that its hue remains as deep as the night sky. Finally, to avoid scratches and dings, lapis lazuli should have its own place in your jewelry box, preferably in a small fabric bag or lined box. This will not only protect it from direct contact with other jewelry, but also from everyday wear and tear, keeping it safe and secure.
Lapis Lazuli, more than a precious stone, is a life companion that combines beauty, history and well-being. Invite the elegance and virtues of Lapis Lazuli into your daily life and let this ancient gem inspire and guide you.
