For its beauty and meaning, lapis lazuli has been much prized throughout history for its vibrant deep-blue colour flecked with golden pyrite. This stone has been valued for its link to royalty and the divine from the ancient world down to the present.
Mesopotamia in antiquity and Egypt
Early known use of lapis lazuli comes from Ancient Mesopotamia circa 7,000 BCE. It came mostly from the most well-known source of the stone – the Sar-e-Sang mines in modern-day Afghanistan. Used in amulets, seals, and sculptures to symbolise divinity and strength, lapis lazuli was connected by the Mesopotamians with the gods. Particularly the Sumerians thought it might bestow knowledge to people who wore it.
Lapis lazuli was regarded in Ancient Egypt as a stone of the gods. Its rich blue colour, which stood for the heavens, delighted the Egyptians. Jewellery, scarabs, and ornamental objects for pharaoh tombs were created from it; Tutankhamun's death mask, which has inlaid lapis lazuli around the eyes, For a vivid blue pigment for eye shadow and paint, the Egyptians also pulverised the stone into powder.
Classical Excellence
Though less prevalent in Ancient Greece and Rome, lapis lazuli was nonetheless prized for its colour. Though the two stones are unrelated, the Greeks termed it "sapphirus", which later became the English word "sapphire".
Using it as an amulet against evil, the Romans thought it had strong protective qualities. Since it was thought to have therapeutic qualities, it was also employed in medicine; pounded into powder and consumed to treat many diseases.
Renaissance and The Middle Ages
Lapis lazuli became well-known in Europe throughout the Middle Ages as a colour known as "ultramarine", which, in rareness and intensity, was more valuable than gold. Artists like Michelangelo and Vermeer created vibrant blues in their paintings with this dye. In religious artworks, ultramarine was saved for painting the robes of the Virgin Mary, therefore representing cleanliness, the divine, and importance.
During this period Lapis Lazuli also gained reputation as a stone of wisdom. Scholars and clerics in mediaeval Europe thought the stone may let the mind open to heavenly communication and spiritual insight. Royalty and high-ranking officials wore it as a sign of intelligence and prestige somewhat often.
Present Crystal Healing
Lapis lazuli is considered in modern crystal healing techniques as a stone of truth, knowledge, and inner power. It is supposed to improve intellectual capacity, advance thorough communication, and inspire self-expression. they also choose it for individuals looking for clarity and insight in their life since they relate it with spiritual development and intuition.
Candice Hamilton
Founder of Self & Others
With a background in gemmology and a passion for holistic healing, Candice aims to demystify crystal healing and provide practical guidance on how to incorporate crystals into daily life, allowing individuals to experience their transformative benefits firsthand.
References
- DK Publishing. (2023). Crystals and Gems.
- Harding, J. (2007). Crystals: A Complete Guide to Crystals and Color Healing.
- Hall, J. (2003). The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals.
- Simmons, R., & Ahsian, N. (2005). The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach.
- Perrakis, A. (2019). Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths: The Fascinating History of the World's Most Powerful Gems and Stones.
