Sacred Stones June 2013 Crystal of the Month: Lapis Lazuli By Larry Bassett Background: Lapis lazuli is a stone that is said to exist before time was born. Lapis lazuli is treasured and highly valued today. It was also a sacred stone throughout recorded history. Lapis lazuli was first described in geological literature in 1636 by A. Boetius de Boodt. The word lapis is the Latin word for stone, and lazuli is said to be derived from the word Lazhward (where it was mined and the Persian word for blue) or the Arabic word azul, meaning blue. Lapis lazuli has a minimum mixture of three minerals, the blue color is lazurite (also named after Lazhward), calcite is present and at times seen, and the gold metal is pyrite. The presence of pyrite is the real difference between lapis lazuli and sodalite. Lapis lazuli is often called lazurite, lasurite, Sapphiros of Pliny, and ultramarine. Lapis lazuli was in ancient times sometimes called sapphire which referred to the blue color. The best and the most expensive lapis lazuli is found in Afghanistan and the quality from Pakistan is a very close second. A much lesser quality of lapis lazuli is found in Chile and Russia. These varieties have more calcite, and hardly any, to no pyrite. Small deposits are also found in Argentina, Burma, Canada, and the United States. To me, the lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and Pakistan is vastly superior energetically to that from other areas. Lapis lazuli is an opaque gem stone that ranges in color from a brilliant deep royal blue, to a medium royal blue, to dark blue, to almost black. If it has too much calcite it has a whitish or grayish color. If there is too much pyrite, the stone will have a greenish tint. Many people are deeply attracted to lapis lazuli the first time they see it. It has been a sacred stone for thousands of years. Lapis lazuli was one of the most prized of all gemstones. Descriptions by Pliny and other historians leave no doubt about lapis lazuli being highly revered by the ancients. It was said to be worn on 1
the breastplate of the high priests. Lapis lazuli was associated with a plethora of deities in numerous cultures. In Egypt, Ra, the sun God had lapis lazuli hair. Lapis lazuli was called the eye of Isis. Isis was said to watch over the dead on their journey from earth so a lapis lazuli eye was always placed in a sarcophagus with the mummy. Lapis lazuli was also the all seeing eye of the Goddess Maat. Egyptian chief justices always wore the Eye of Maat when rendering justice. Ancient and predynastic Egyptians used lapis lazuli extensively in art, medicine, plus it was shaped into sacred and everyday objects. It has always been the blue shade used in makeup. Egyptians considered lapis lazuli the stone of royalty. This is the origin of the use of a deep blue by royalty worldwide. It was and is still associated with kings and queens of all countries. Babylonians and Egyptians believed lapis lazuli to be a cure for melancholy and many medicinal ailments, including using the elixir as a treatment for cataracts. Lapis lazuli was accepted as the most esteemed tribute by the Egyptians. Ancient South Americans used and also revered lapis lazuli for its medicinal and spiritual qualities. Sumerians believed it contained the spirits of the Gods. Legend has it that King Soloman (said to be the greatest stone wearer of all time) received a lapis lazuli ring from an angel of God. The ring allowed him to control all demons and the demons were used as the labor to build his temple. Romans believed lapis lazuli to be an aphrodisiac. Ancient artifacts of lapis lazuli are often found shaped as an amulet, probably worn for protection and for other reasons. In early Europe lapis lazuli was called ultramarine, which meant beyond the sea. It was used to create the blue coloring in all paintings until recent times. Lapis lazuli was used to keep the body healthy, and the soul free from envy, error, and fear. Lapis lazuli is a stone of friendship and truth. It was also known as the stone of chastity. Lapis lazuli was and is still worn to protect one from physical and psychic attacks. Ancient artifacts of lapis lazuli are often found as an amulet, probably worn for protection and for other reasons. It protects, seals, and shields the aura. It was used to initiate one into the mysteries of the sacred texts, esoteric ideas, and to understand their hidden meanings. It was also used to initiate one into the mystical inter-dimensional realms, so one can understand them and gain the wisdom of that travel. Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan is often compared to one looking into the night sky filled with stars. It connects one from the physical plane to the celestial kingdom. It is said lapis lazuli is a stone of total awareness, helping one to expand their conscious awareness and intellectual capacity, creating a conscious attunement to their guidance, intuition, and psychic extrasensory gifts. Lapis lazuli soon creates an objectivity and acceptance of this intuitive knowledge. Lapis lazuli soothes, gently heals emotions, as it creates a clarity and alignment with your divine inner light. It stimulates, activates, as it energizes the throat and third eye chakras. Lapis lazuli works on all the emotional, mental, and physical aspects. Today, lapis lazuli is primarily 2
used for jewelry, Feng Shui enhancements, and environmental applications. Lapis lazuli from Chile has calcite colorings and the value of lapis lazuli is based upon how deep and dark the blue color appears. Of course lesser quality lapis lazuli is dyed and synthetic (plastic) materials are used. The fraudsters grind low quality lapis lazuli, add plastic resins, and then dye the mixture. Today, it is difficult to have a synthetic stone with natural looking bands of pyrite and this is a good way to determine if the stone is natural. A stone called Australian lapis lazuli is really muscovite. Swiss lapis lazuli is jasper dyed blue. Gilson lapis lazuli is a synthetic stone named after the first man who made lapis lazuli. The keywords to remember for natural lapis lazuli are awareness, courage, honesty, honor, improved psychic abilities, insight, mental clarity, self-acceptance, self-esteem, spirituality, vitality, and a profound peace of mind. There is no doubt about lapis lazuli being a sacred stone. Why I Love This Stone: The physical properties and metaphysical effects of lapis lazuli are sacred and timeless. It facilitates the higher qualities of the mind, as it creates clarity, and enhances objectivity. It is the one stone I am aware of that has the feel of male energy. Every stone is female, and it is only the spin of the energy, which moves counter clockwise, that makes lapis lazuli appear to be male. Because of this spin it is perfect to balance the male energies in all people. When your male and female energies are in perfect balance, you will be in balance, as well as in perfect harmony with creation. Lapis lazuli will remove tendencies of denial and avoidance, so one can accept reality. It provides the objectivity to help one resolve issues that appear contradictory. Lapis lazuli releases the guilt of judgments which calms the mind and body. It removes the outdated and limiting lower emotions so the body heals on many levels. Lapis lazuli helps one become intuitive, psychic, and aware. Lapis lazuli lifts the illusion of our lives so we can see reality. Lapis lazuli is the stone of sincerity. It is also used in Feng Shui for the energy of stillness, quiet strength, and purification. Composition: Lapis lazuli is technically a rock because it is composed of other crystalline minerals. It often goes by the name lazurite. Lapis lazuli is a complex mixture of sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, sulfur, and at times chlorine and hydrogen. There are numerous chemical formulas based on the location and composition. The simplest one is Na 8 S(AlSiO 4 ) 6. The most complex one with all the minerals is (NaCa) 8 (AlSiO 4 ) 6 (SO 4,S,CL) 2. Lapis lazuli may also contain large to small amounts of augite, diopside, hauynite, hornblende, mica, and noselite. It is a complex sacred stone. Physical Properties: Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock rated with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is in the class of silicates and the 3
subclass of tectosilicates. It has imperfect to no cleavage. It will fracture conchoidally to uneven. It is non fluorescent and it can be translucent. It will streak light blue and it has a vitreous to dull luster. The specific gravity is 2.7 to 2.9 gm/cc. Lapis lazuli is known to sometimes be a violet blue and a greenish blue. It is known to be sensitive to heat, acid, and alkali. Lapis lazuli fluoresces green under an ultraviolet light. If it is exposed to hydrochloric acid it will smell like rotten eggs. Experiences: Lapis lazuli has been an important crystal in my life. The ring pictured was a gift from a Tibetan Lama named Geshi Tashi. Geshi is a title of one who has committed to memory numerous sacred Tibetan texts and can recite them perfectly from memory. We are great friends and I treasure the time I had with this humble and gentle soul. Lapis lazuli represents friendship and universal truths. The large raw piece pictured is from another dear friend and another of our spiritual teachers, Jaffre Razza. Jaffre was born in Pakistan and this beautiful and powerful piece is from high in the mountains of Pakistan. Many of my spiritual teachers have used crystals for special purposes to initiate, cleanse, guide, plus to instill knowledge, and wisdom. Lapis lazuli is another crystal that people love to use in bodywork sessions. The energetic spin of lapis lazuli is, in my little experience, unique and it balances the male and female energies, as well as Mother Earth energy we all carry. It is a stone that balances me and keeps me organized. Friends have spoken of how lapis lazuli facilitated their spiritual growth, it allowed them to speak their truth, while in a protected aura of loving energy. Lapis lazuli is used as a wonderful gem elixir by a friend. In my experience, lapis lazuli is a sacred stone that brings out the best in people. Recommended Uses: Lapis lazuli is perfect for bodywork because it is very protective, and clients on the table feel this protection, and relax. It is often placed on the third eye to activate the pineal gland, to induce psychic experiences, plus increase guidance, and intuition. Many naturally place it on the throat and thymus gland. Some place it in the hands, on the chest, and anywhere they sense it will be beneficial. Lapis lazuli is an incredible sacred stone. What is the energy we feel when we hold a stone? The stone is a part of our Mother Earth. The stone is emanating her energy to heal, protect, and assist us. This is the real difference between synthetic and natural crystals, the energy of our Mother Earth is missing from the synthetic stones. Using natural stones, placed anywhere on the body, as well as in the environment, is perfect for those who choose to improve their life, and heal themselves. Some stones, like lapis lazuli, amplify thoughts and energy. Setting your intention before the bodywork session of what you want to accomplish, is vital to having an amazing session. Lapis lazuli 4
works very well with the throat chakra, and this helps us to be honest with ourselves. Essential Oils: Essential oils are powerful healers, most require dilution with a carrier oil, some are photosensitive, and there are very dangerous contraindications when clients are on medications, or if they have certain medical conditions. A listing of safety issues and possible contraindications can be found at our web site: www.kalasgems.com/safety.html. The properties of lapis lazuli as an ancient sacred stone with the ability to balance your energy, cleanse, harmonize, heal, and protect, as it increases your clarity, focus, psychic abilities, self-assurance, self-esteem, and selfworth, work well with all essential oils. Every sacred stone works well with all essential oils. Meditations: When Kathy began by holding the large raw piece of lapis lazuli pictured. She immediately felt a protective energy around her. She felt the intense energy in her hands and felt her body balancing. She relaxed and soon she was out of her body and when she returned she felt refreshed and with a sense of clarity in her body and senses. Although she remembered nothing of her journey, she felt as if she was in a location where she was deeply loved. I began with two smaller raw pieces of lapis lazuli. I felt an intense energy in my hands that continued throughout my meditation. I relaxed into a state of clarity and I saw a number of scenes where I understood what was behind what occurred. I again saw Momon enter through the open door. I realized that I felt a profound affinity for him and he is one of my guides. I felt an intense energy in my heart. I felt a deep nourishing action throughout my body and I felt a profound protection in all aspects of my life and being. I had a wonderful conscious meditation. Kathy began with two polished pieces of lapis lazuli. She felt the energy in her hands and feet. They she felt the pulsing of the energy going up and down her body and etheric fields. The movement of this energy only changed directions as it worked on her body, energetic fields, and emotional energy. Kathy was given the information that she/we will have five bridges to cross and then the meditation was over. I began with the large raw piece of lapis lazuli. I was soon again in a state of invoking the Law of Forgiveness to correct past mistakes. It involved people, situations, belief systems, the programming we receive as children and adults, imperfections, limitations, etc. It was a series of scenes where I released that misqualified and misdirected energy and reclaimed my power. Near the end I felt my heart filled with an incredible, intense, loving energy. The next day we left our desert solitude and went to Tucson where the energy in my heart continued to build. A few days later, Kathy felt this 5
energy when I told her about the meditation and the energy went into her hands and into her heart. Miscellaneous: Lapis lazuli is a challenge to find in high quality and at a reasonable price. Only a few dealers carry high quality Lapis Lazuli. Raw lapis lazuli has the best energy. Lapis lazuli is associated with the astrological signs of Cancer, Sagittarius, Pisces, Libra, and Taurus. Lapis lazuli is best cleaned with a mild, warm, soapy water. Lapis lazuli is the 9 th anniversary gemstone. Lapis lazuli is one of the birthstones for December. Lapis lazuli is of the element air and water. Lapis lazuli is associated with the planet Jupiter and Venus. Lapis lazuli is spoken of in the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Lapis lazuli is spoken of in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest known story. Lapis lazuli vibrate to the number 3. Lapis lazuli is said to align with Archangel Michael. Lapis lazuli is very beneficial for the throat, third eye, and crown chakras. Lapis lazuli is an etheric sealer. Lapis lazuli balances the yin and yang energies. Lapis lazuli will smell like rotten eggs when exposed to hydrochloric acid. Lapis lazuli is said to be beneficial for disorders of anxiety, asthma, blood, bone marrow, bruises, cardiovascular system, cataracts, catatonia, coma, compulsive disorders, cellular damage, cramps, DNA/RNA damage, depression, dizziness, ears, eczema, emotional wounds, hearing, headaches, immune system, inflammation, insomnia, lumbago, lungs, memory loss, menstrual issues, migraines, MS, muscular, pain, panic attacks, pituitary, pregnancy, recovery from surgery, self-acceptance, skeletal, skin, sleep apnea, throat, thymus, ulcers, vertigo, and vocal cords. Disclaimer: The information in this paper regarding the physical and metaphysical properties of crystals is intuitively derived. It is in no way intended to diagnose or treat any form of medical, physical, emotional, mental, psychological, spiritual or other issues. Readers are advised to view this material as speculative in nature. We recommend you determine through personal experience the power of crystals. 6