Lapis lazuli meaning: wisdom, truth and Libra

What does lapis lazuli mean?

Lapis lazuli is known as a stone of wisdom, intuition and truth, and of protection and power. We read its protective side as a reminder of the boundaries you choose.

Its history runs deep. Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece and Rome all treasured it, and lapis was mined in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province as early as 7000 BC. Ground to powder, it became the pigment ultramarine blue. The name is usually translated as “blue stone”; lazuli comes from the Persian lazhward.

Which zodiac sign is lapis lazuli for?

In Astrolith readings it is paired with Libra. In a reading it can stand for a Sun, Moon or Rising sign in Libra.

Its month comes from birthstone lists, not astrology: in the UK, lapis is September’s alternative birthstone, beside sapphire.

How do you choose lapis lazuli?

Lapis is a rock rather than a single mineral, and lazurite gives it its blue. The most prized colour is an even dark blue to violet-blue, with no white calcite showing. Small, well-spread flecks of golden pyrite are a good sign; more than a little white calcite brings the value down.

Dyeing is common. Lapis with visible calcite is often dyed blue to hide it, then treated with wax or oil. Ask us about any lapis bead and we’ll tell you what our supplier states about dyeing.

How do you care for lapis lazuli?

Lapis is about 5 to 6 on the hardness scale, depending on what else is in the rock. It’s fairly tough, though beads on a bracelet may need re-polishing over time. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products and other chemicals. Clean it with a soft brush and mild soap, never steam or an ultrasonic cleaner, and store it apart from your other jewellery.

Lapis lazuli beads at Astrolith

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Not sure which stones are yours? Read your sky first, or design a bracelet with lapis lazuli.