Note: Crystals cannot be an alternative for medical attention nor can they be a substitute.
The chemical formula of Lapis lazuli -- Na8S(AlSiO4)6 - indicates that this stone is mainly composed of sodium - Na, sulfur S, aluminum Al, silicon Si and oxygen O. Its hardness is between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.
Lapis lazuli is a stone of dark blue color with tiny golden-like sparkling flecks. It is non-transparent, but nevertheless its beauty is wondrous. Its warm appearance can be compared to the beauty of a calm and soft summer night. Since this stone in actually not a single mineral, but a mixture of several minerals (for example, hauynite, sodalite and noselite), the color of lapis lazuli can be slightly different as a result of the different composition. The beautiful blue color is believed to originate from the presence of sulfur atoms in its very complicated crystal lattice. It has been known since ancient times, and sometimes lapis lazuli was referred to as Sapphire, meaning blue. In Latin lapis means stone. The ultramarine color, so widely used in painting and art, is made out of selected deep-blue samples of lapis lazuli.
Lapis is a stone of friendship and truth. It is also considered to be a symbol of chastity. Lapis lazuli can block the negative energies that sometimes tend to enter our universe and can bring help from higher planes of existence. It soothes, promotes mental clarity and emotional healing, increases the power of judgment, and brings wisdom and protection in every respect.
Some specimens of lapis lazuli are almost black. But what makes it unique is the extraordinary pattern of tiny golden spots made out of pyrite. Lapis may also contain calcite which manifests itself in a form of white flecks. It diminishes the visual appeal of this stone, in contrast to the already mentioned pyrite flecks which accentuate the deep blue color of Lapis lazuli, and serve as indication of its authenticity.
From the spiritual point of view, lapis possesses the ability to open the third eye - ajna chakra; it affects the pineal gland, and stimulates the thymus. For meditation purposes it can be placed against the third eye - the space between your eyebrows- and it is often combined with the soothing effect of rose quartz, aventurine or amethyst. Placed on the palms, chest or around the neck, it enables contact with the spiritual guardians. Lapis can lead the student into enlightenment, self-realization and unity with the True self. It increases the level of consciousness, and thus opens the door to higher knowledge. It resonates especially strong with the energy of Archangel Michael, the Archangel of the First blue ray. Lapis lazuli is a unique combination of darkness and light. Ancient Egyptians considered lapis to be a royal stone. They often made powder out of it, and used Lapis in specials balms for their scalps. They believed that as the balm slowly dries out, it would remove all the impurities from the soul.
In the metaphysical sense, the most frequent use of lapis today is in the releasing of those elements of our past that are no longer needed. But lapis should be used with caution, since the emotional wounds of the past can bring to the surface a lot of suppressed pain. This stone possesses the strength to lift the illusion that we have wrongly accepted as reality. The reward for daring to look into our own darkness is symbolized by the golden light that shines from the deep blue sky.
Lapis lazuli teaches us of the power of the spoken word. It harmonizes all the subtle bodies. In self healing it has a broad spectrum of activities. Lapis protects the skin, soothes migraines, and lifts insomnia. It is a good stone for the cardiovascular system, for the throat, lungs and thyroid. It can increase our immunity and help release stress. It can be discharged once a month together with hematite. Charging of this stone should be done together with hematite and rock crystal.
