This famous deep blue metamorphic rock has been highly valued since its discovery over 6,000 years ago.

Lapis lazuli forms near igneous intrusions where lazurite replaces parts of altered limestone or marble due to hydrothermal or contact metamorphism. The most important component of lapis is lazurite, but it is actually a mineral made up of many other minerals like calcite, sodalite, or pyrite. The best specimens come from the West Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan where it was originally mined over 6,000 years ago. 

Ancient Greeks and Romans referred to the stone as sapphirus until the Middle Ages brought the term "lapis lazuli" into play. Since 3100 BC, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Chinese and Mesopotamian Civilization have prized this rich blue stone. The ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli in scarab figurines, beads, pendants, and other types of jewelry. They also ground it to use for makeup and for medicine, but it is perhaps most famously known for being included into King Tut's sarcophagus and funeral mask. Renaissance artists in the 15th and 16th centuries ground lapis to make the most expensive and beautiful pigment (ultramarine) and Europeans believed to cure illnesses, especially snakebite.

Lapis lazuli is the birthstone for December and an alternative for September, and is a 7th and 9th anniversary gemstone.

Metaphysical Meaning & Healing Properties: Lapis lazuli is a stone of truthful communication, royal virtues, and insight. It activates the sixth chakra (third eye chakra) and fifth chakra (throat chakra). Traditionally lapis helps one to connect to the Gods, invoking Divine inspiration. It's a great stone for improving memory and stimulating the thirst for knowledge. A stone of self-reflection, one can find expanded awareness and a better perspective on life while identifying one's gifts and chances for growth. Lapis is one of the best stones to use for meditative journeys and to connect with past-life memories. It is believed lapis will help with depression and insomnia, while curing vision problems and disorders of the immune system, lungs and throat. 

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*Price/size/weight reflects one stone. Size and weight vary. May not receive what is shown in picture. 

Size: 1 -1.25 inches 

Weight:  1 oz. 

* Stones should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment--Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist. The information within is for entertainment only and is not warranted or claiming to be accurate, reliable, or complete.