A carving in high quality lapis lazuli, showing gold-coloured inclusions of pyrite. These inclusions are common in lapis and are an important help in identifying the stone. The carving is 8 cm (3 inches) long. Larger version |
Its main component is lazurite (25 to 40 percent), a mineral composed of sodium, aluminium, silicon, oxygen and sulphur. Most lapis also contains calcite (white), sodalite[?] (blue) and pyrite (yellow). Other possible constituents are augite[?], diopside[?], enstatite[?], mica, hauynite[?], hornblende and nosean[?]. Its formula is (Na,Ca)8(Al,Si)12(O)24(S)2 FeS- CaCO3.
It usually occurs in crystalline limestones as a result of contact metamorphism (see metamorphic rock).
The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden pyrite. There should be no white calcite veins and the pyrite inclusions should be small. Stones that contain too much calcite or pyrite are not as valuable. Patches of pyrite are an important help in identifying the stone as genuine and do not detract from its value.
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It is also ground and used to make pigment for oil paint.
As with all precious stones, it is a good practice to have any major purchases tested by a reputable gem lab to determine if the stone has been enhanced.
With the ancient Egyptians lapis lazuli was a favourite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs; it was also used by the Assyrians and Babylonians for seals. . Egyptian burial sites dating before 3000 B.C. contained thousands of jewelry items, many of lapis. Powdered lapis was favored by Egyptian ladies as a cosmetic eye shadow.
The ancient royal Sumerian tombs of Ur, located near the Euphrates River in lower Iraq, contained more than 6000 beautifully executed lapis lazuli statuettes of birds, deer, and rodents as well as dishes, beads, and cylinder seals. These carved artifacts undoubtedly came from material mined in northern Afghanistan.
The Romans believed that lapis was a powerful aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy, and free the soul from error, envy and fear.
It was once believed that lapis had medicinal properties. It was ground down, mixed with milk and applied as a dressing for boils and ulcers.
The beautiful blues in paintings from the Renaissance are thanks to the blue of lapis lazuli. Ground to a powder it forms the pigment ultramarine. Ultramarine has now been largely superseded by artificial preparations.
Lapis lazuli is said to be associated with self-confidence, truthfulness, openness and inner tranquility. Lapis lazuli is the ancient stone of mental and psychological health, said to promote spiritual healing, mental calmness and strength of will, increased psychic abilities and spiritual growth.
When used during meditation, it is believed to aid in detaching the mind from the physical body and allowing for a deeper and more open state of consciousness. It helps establish a connection with the creative force and in receiving information from other planes of consciousness.
It is said to be a good stone for emotional healing and treatment of disorders of the throat, bone marrow, thymus, and immune system.
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