Oct 25, 2023

Lapis Lazuli

A deep blue stone with an attractive beauty…

As ELVISH, we derive our greatest strength from nature because we are a part of nature. We rely on all herbs and natural stones that can support us in a constant exploration of our own selves. We always respect “all creations” that guide us.

Fascinating with its blue color, Lapis Lazuli is one of the stones with ancient knowledge. It has an important place in many cultures and beliefs.

According to the legends, it is said that this stone, which is very valuable in Egypt, comes from the Black Sea lands. Lapis Lazuli was mined in the Black Sea and transported to Egypt. It is stated that the name “Lapis Lazuli” also comes from the “Laz” ethnic group.

With the powerful vibration it emits, Lapis Lazuli opens the door to spiritual awakening. You may consider carrying this majestic stone with you.

There is no limit to the knowledge that nature offers us. It is infinite. It is genuine. If we can reach the awareness of this even with a small step, if we can stay in that flow, nature will be eager to share its vast knowledge with us.

ABOUT LAPIS LAZULI:

Lapis Lazuli has been known as a highly precious stone for centuries. Its history and symbolism, along with its amazing color scale, goes back to very old times.

Lapis is not a mineral, it is a rock. It combines various minerals, especially lazurite. Its modern name comes from both the Persian word “lazhuward” which means “blue” and the Arabic word “lazaward” which means “heaven” or “sky”. Lapis means “stone” in Latin. Afghanistan has been an important source for top quality lapis lazuli for nearly 6000 years. “Lapis Lazuli is relatively rare and commonly forms in crystalline limestones as a product of contact metamorphism.” ¹

Notable for its strong blue color and small pyrite veins, Lapis Lazuli has been used as a precious stone in Egypt for thousands of years. In addition, powdered Lapis Lazuli has been used as eyeshadow in cosmetics, as well as pigment and medicine. For example, it is Cleopatra’s favorite eyeshadow color.

According to studies, ancient references to “Sapphire” known as Roman sapphire are actually mostly related to Lapis Lazuli. Also, lazurite-rich jewelry has been found in prehistoric tombs in Asia, Africa and Europe.

A LITTLE NOTE: Lapis Lazuli is known as the traditional birthstone of December. It is also a planetary stone for Capricorn and a birthstone for Libra.

LAPIS LAZULI IN ART:

Lapis Lazuli also has an important place in art. Its flashing blue color has been the center of attention for artists for thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, Lapis Lazuli was highly valued and transported from Afghanistan to Europe. During the Renaissance, painters created the “Ultramarine” pigment by pulverizing Lapis Lazuli stone.

This blue is a stunning color that we can see in many famous artworks:.

Sassoferrato, The Virgin in Prayer, 1640-1650, Oil on canvas, 73 cm x 57.7 cm.

Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665, Oil on canvas, 44.5 cm × 39 cm.

LAPIS LAZULI IN HISTORY

ANCIENT MYTHS:

The legends about Lapis Lazuli are among the oldest in the world. As early as 4000 BCE, a myth can be mentioned about Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love. The myth of Inanna’s descent and return to the Underworld… “Inanna entered the underworld bearing the insignias of her rank, including a lapis lazuli necklace and rod.”²

“In ancient Sumer,” writes Scott Cunningham in his Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic, “lapis lazuli has timeless associations” with royalty and deities. People believed the stone contained “the soul of the deity, who would ‘rejoice in its owner.’”³

Since the beginning of humanity, Lapis Lazuli has been desired by Egyptian Pharaohs and Roman Emperors. In ancient Egypt, Lapis Lazuli or Lapis was believed to lead the soul to immortality and open the heart to love. In ancient Egypt, Lapis Lazuli was a favorite amongst the elites. Judges wore amulets picturing Maat, the Egyptian goddess of truth. Pharaohs adored this hypnotic blue stone in this life and the next life.

During this era, the relation between King Tutankhamun and Lapis Lazuli was also in the foreground. The golden sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun was inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. In addition, his funeral mask and his jewelry were also decorated with this stone. The clothes of priests and royalty were also dyed with Lapis Lazuli to signify their god status.

“In the dry, barren land of the Egyptians, this deep cobalt blue color was a spiritual contrast to their arid desert hues. The gold flecks were like stars in their night-time sky and by meditating on these colors they felt supernatural forces would transform their lives.”⁴

SPIRITUAL FACTS ABOUT LAPIS LAZULI:

Lapis Lazuli has been a very precious stone adopted by many countries and cultures for centuries. Of course, this value is not just about the physical appearance or the price it’s worth. Lapis Lazuli has come to the fore with the spiritual meanings it symbolizes.

Lapis Lazuli is a metaphysical stone. It is the key to spiritual attainment. It activates spiritual power.
This stone is known as the third eye chakra stone.
“Lapis Lazuli has a very powerful vibration.”⁵
According to beliefs, Lapis Lazuli activates the desire for knowledge, truth and understanding. It also supports the learning process.
This stone improves intuition. It strengthens psychic abilities such as clairvoyant ability, dreamwork.
Lapis Lazuli has a magnificent serenity. It is protective. It harmonizes the body, mind, soul and emotions. It brings deep inner self-knowledge.
Lapis Lazuli strengthens thoughts. It activates higher mental faculties. It encourages creativity.
Lapis Lazuli demonstrates the importance of active listening.
Lapis Lazuli makes it easy to confront the truth.
Lapis Lazuli helps you express your own ideas and take charge of your life.
This stone harmonizes conflicts. It gives you honesty, compassion and uprightness.
“A bonding stone in love and friendship, it dissolves cruelty, suffering and emotional bondage.”⁶

Creation of Celestial Bodies. (Creation of the World, fragment) St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, Italy. 13th century.

“Due to its sky-blue appearance lapis has been known throughout centuries as the stone of the gods, sent from heaven. In today’s belief, Lapis Lazuli is associated with wisdom, love and healing abilities.” ⁷

A LITTLE NOTE: A kind of “gem language” was used in the English and French royal courts in the 18th century. With this language, messages were conveyed in a symbolic and detailed way. Lapis Lazuli used to mean “good luck” or “love me” depending on its usage.