Birthstones
Stones: Natural Synthetic
Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli

A December Birthstone

Lapis Lazuli is one of the "official" birthstones for September. It's one of the oldest gemstones and is known to have been used as far back as 5000 BCE. Technically it's a rock rather than a mineral since it's composed of multiple minerals (ie polymineral). It's formed through contact metamorphism of particular forms of limestone, mainly the blue lazurite. Lapis Lazuli is not found in many places but where it does occur the deposits are usually large.

Lapis Lazuli is known for its blue colour - the word "lazuli" comes from the Persian lazhward or blue (as in "azure"). Hence the name simply menas "blue stone". Ground lapis was used to form ultramarine paint for artists.

In earlier times there was less accuracy in identification of gemstones and less conformity of naming. It is therefore suggested that ancient references to sapphire might often have actually have meant lapis lazuli. This is especially likely when "sapphire" is described as having golden flecks - a common feature of lapis lazuli when iron is present during its formation.

Many ways have been found over the centuries to simulate lapis lazuli, often by dyeing other stones. More recently it has been successfully synthesized.

Symbolism and Lore

Lapis lazuli was frequently used for jewelry of both decorative and symbolic nature. It was a popular choice for amulets and was said to be the stone of rulers and to represent power.

The ancient Egyptians were especially fond of lapis lazuli and it was used for many purposes. It was even ground up and used as as early form of eye shadow!

In Buddhist lore lapis has been said to promote peace of mind. Others have credited with giving insight and of boosting mental abilities, possibly even psychic powers. It has been said to be the stone of the third eye.

A variety of medicinal properties have been attributed to lapis lazuli over the centuries - the Romans even believed it to be an aphrodisiac!