Lapis Lazuli – Meaning & Properties

Impression of the rough stone

“Insight comes not from searching harder, but from looking more closely.”

Lapis Lazuli is for those who value knowledge, insight, and character. It is a stone for those who understand that true wisdom arises not from speaking more, but from listening, observing, and learning more attentively.

With its deep royal blue hues and natural golden inclusions, Lapis Lazuli has been among the most cherished gemstones in the world for thousands of years. The stone exudes a timeless authority and has been associated with dignity and loyalty since ancient times.

As each bead is formed by nature, no two stones are exactly alike. This gives every bracelet its own characteristic pattern and a completely unique appearance.

Why people choose Lapis Lazuli

• Traditionally associated with wisdom and self-insight
• A stone that symbolises courage and personal truth
• Deep blue hues with natural golden inclusions
• A distinctive appearance that has been valued for centuries
• Each stone possesses a completely unique and natural pattern

The Stone

• Traditional Associations: Wisdom • Courage • Self-insight
• Origin: Afghanistan • Chile
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus • Libra

History

The name Lapis Lazuli is a compound of the Latin 'lapis' (stone) and the Persian 'lazhuward' (blue). The main mines in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan have been exploited for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest known and traded gemstones in human history.

In ancient Egypt, the stone was considered more sacred than gold and was incorporated into the death masks of pharaohs, such as that of Tutankhamun. During the Renaissance, the stone was ground into the pigment 'ultramarine', an exorbitantly expensive blue used by masters like Vermeer to accentuate the most prominent parts of their paintings.

Astrology & Moon

Within astrology, Lapis Lazuli has traditionally been linked to the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. For these signs, the stone is associated with the connection between intuition and reason, inner balance, and speaking one's own truth.

In traditions surrounding the lunar calendar, Lapis Lazuli is associated with the new moon phase. This is a time for introspection and setting intentions, where the stone is considered to symbolise the clarity needed to explore new paths.

Within Chakra Teachings

Within traditional chakra teachings, Lapis Lazuli is frequently linked to the fifth chakra, Vishuddha, also known as the throat chakra. In this tradition, this energy point is associated with the power of self-expression, honest communication, and the ability to articulate one's inner truth clearly.

Additionally, the stone is often associated with the sixth chakra, Ajna, better known as the third eye. Within the Eastern philosophies where chakra teachings originate, this chakra is said to represent intuition, spiritual vision, and the ability to look beyond the surface to deeper layers of wisdom.

Interesting Facts

• Although often referred to as a gemstone, Lapis Lazuli is geologically a rock; it consists of a unique blend of minerals such as lazurite, white calcite, and golden pyrite.
• In ancient Egypt, the stone was so beloved that Cleopatra used ground Lapis Lazuli as the very first form of royal blue eyeshadow.
• The shimmering golden flecks in the stone are not gold, but inclusions of pyrite (fool's gold), which give the stone the appearance of a sparkling starry sky.
• During the Renaissance, the pigment ultramarine, made from this stone, was so precious that it was worth more than gold and was exclusively reserved for the most significant details in masterpieces.

Care

Lapis Lazuli, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 5 to 5.5, is moderately hard and somewhat porous. This makes the stone more susceptible to scratches and knocks — store your bracelet separately and keep it away from harder jewellery and surfaces.

Due to its porous structure, Lapis Lazuli readily absorbs moisture and chemicals. Keep the stone away from water, perfume, soap, and lotion; these can dull the deep blue colour and damage the golden inclusions (pyrite). Therefore, remove your bracelet before showering, swimming, and washing up.

For care, wipe the beads with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water and cleaning agents. This will help the royal blue with its golden flecks retain its beauty.

View the Lapis Lazuli bracelet in the shop →

Beautiful in combination with

Pyrite · Sodalite · Onyx

Honest about meaning: the properties on this page describe what this stone has traditionally symbolised and with what it is associated within traditions and astrology. Mad Monk Jewelry makes no claims: we do not promise that a stone has an effect or power, or that it will bring about anything in you. What we do promise: a natural gemstone, carefully selected and hand-finished.

← All stones in the library