Lapis lazuli is a stone of the sodalite group, a mineral rich in sulfur. It got its name from the Persian word “ azul” , which is translated into Russian as “sky”, “blue”. Lapis lazuli looks most advantageous in bright natural light. It goes well with silver, with which they look very organic together.
Products from the "stone of heavenly color" were found during the excavation of Troy. There is an opinion that it was from this mineral that the tablets were made with the laws of Moses carved on them. Ornaments from it were often found in the palaces of the Byzantine and Chinese rulers.
Lapis lazuli is a stone of a translucent dark azure or dark blue saturated color, purple-blue minerals are less common. There are stones of almost all shades of blue: from blue to almost purple. The brighter the color, the more expensive the mineral. It has a glass sheen, quite fragile. Deposits of this mineral are in Afghanistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Angola, Canada, Chile, Italy, and the USA. You can find stones in the mountains at high altitude. The most famous and ancient mines are located in Afghanistan, where the production of lapis lazuli began more than nine thousand years ago.
Lapis lazuli jewelry has been made since ancient times. This stone is highly appreciated; it is widely used for making brooches, decorative buttons, hairpins, signet rings, round beads for necklaces, bracelets, inlaid materials. Lapis lazuli is also used in interior design. Bowls, vases, vases, caskets, etc. are made from it.
The most beautiful products from this mineral are in Tsarskoye Selo (Catherine’s Palace) and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
The most valuable species that lapis lazuli has is a stone of a uniform dark blue color, without white impregnations of calcite, with growths of glittering copper-yellow pyrite. Such stones are mined in Russia, Chile and Afghanistan.
Astrologers argue that the most complete property of lapis lazuli is revealed if this stone is worn by people who were born under the signs of Libra or Sagittarius. For other people, the effect of lapis lazuli will be less noticeable. Cancer and Capricorn, it is believed, this stone should not be worn at all.
Lapis lazuli is a stone that is rather reluctant to process, it often contains crystalline solid growths, so sometimes it gives uneven fractures. Lapis lazuli is processed in two ways: cabochon or plates. Cabochons are used for the manufacture of jewelry, and plates are used in inlaid, facing of fireplaces, to create mosaics.
Ultramarine pigment is made from crushed lapis lazuli, which does not fade in the sun. Egyptian pharaohs bequeathed to use such paints in the decoration of their tombs, equating lapis lazuli with gold.
In ancient times, the "heavenly stone" was endowed with magical properties. In India, it was believed that with its help you can clear the aura of negativity. Europeans still believe that having lazurite products with them, any dreams can be realized. This stone can not only fulfill wishes, but also strengthen friendship, add sincerity to human relationships. It is also simply necessary for everyone who decided to radically change the course of their own lives, starting all over with a new sheet.
Lapis lazuli is also used for medicinal purposes. It helps to get rid of migraines, high blood pressure, insomnia, improve blood circulation. Modern studies have confirmed that the mineral has a good effect on the composition of the blood, relieves rheumatic seizures, pain. Therefore, jewelry with lapis lazuli is also a good medicine. They can be presented as symbolic gifts to people who want to wish to be beautiful and healthy.