Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone characterized by its intense blue color and golden stripes. The mineral, consisting of lapis lazuli, calcite and pyrite, acts as a protective shield against negative energies. At the same time, it serves to cleanse the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual levels of a person, so that it is he himself who accepts the challenges of fate.
Origin
A majestic gem that has been with us for centuries. Incredible ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and the Roman Empire put it into practice in the artistic, healing world and in religion.
Historians believe that the connection between lapis lazuli and human beliefs dates back more than 6,500 years. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese, Roman and Greek, highly valued stone.
Lapis lazuli has been found in Neolithic tombs in Mauritania and the Caucasus. The Egyptians decorated the funerary mask of Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BC) with lapis lazuli. They also used scarabs and amulets on their graves.
Lapis lazuli was also widely used for religious shrines and for craftsmen, artists and decorative items on church altars. Master artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Fra Angelico and others used the mineral as a pigment.
Field
The oldest deposits of lapis lazuli were discovered 6,000 years ago, located in the wild lands of the western Hindu Kush mountains, in Afghanistan. Currently, the highest quality gemstones are mined from these deposits.
There are other deposits being developed in Germany, Angola, Canada, Chile, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Lake Baikal region, Russia, as well as California and Colorado in the United States of America. Lapis lazuli is mined in Chile at the Flor de los Andes mine in the Coquimbo region.
Interesting facts about lapis lazuli
- In ancient times, lapis lazuli symbolized sincerity, as well as talent and divine favor. In Europe, the stone became a symbol of well-being, good luck and success, and among the people of India - love and prosperity. The ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli to establish a connection with the gods, making special coloring mixtures for priests based on lapis lazuli. Scarab beetles were also carved from this mineral. And among the Chinese, lapis lazuli was a symbol of imperial power.
- Illegal mining and sale of lapis lazuli in Afghanistan is considered one of the largest sources of income for the Taliban movement, and the cause of corruption in government structures.
Varieties
The color of lapis lazuli varies. It depends on the deposit of the stone. In this regard, there are three types of stone:
- Niili
is the most expensive lapis lazuli. Has a deep blue color; - Asmani
is a less expensive stone. This type of lapis lazuli has a blue-bluish color; - Fursi
is the cheapest representative of the mineral. Presented in greenish and blue shades.
The stone may contain a bronze luster. This depends on whether it contains pyrite inclusions. You can often find various white stripes in lapis lazuli; they give it exclusivity.
Stone care
The only condition for the safety of the stone is to protect it from impacts and falls so that it does not get scratched or chipped. For the same reason, it is stored separately from other stones, preferably wrapped in soft cloth.
You can wash it in water, and if it is heavily soiled, you can use chemicals. Except for hydrochloric acid, lapis lazuli is resistant to alkalis and acids.
Lapis lazuli is a stone that you can fall in love with just from a photo, and when you see it in person, you will probably want to purchase it in order to feel its positive magical and healing effects yourself.
Medicinal properties
The stone was used not only in jewelry and magical devices, it also has a powerful therapeutic effect:
- Relieves headaches and migraines;
- Allows you to easily overcome depression;
- It is beneficial for the immune, respiratory and nervous systems;
- Treats various ailments and diseases, for example, thyroid gland and throat diseases;
- Helps cleanse the body's blood;
- Good for sleep;
- It is used to treat conditions such as anemia, epilepsy and skin infections;
- Relieves stress and brings peace to a person’s life;
- Insomnia can be cured by placing lapis lazuli in the form of a necklace under the pillow or by adding a few drops of lavender oil and rubbing it a little;
- Helps concentrate in children with Asperger's Syndrome, Autism or Attention Deficit Disorder.
With proper use of the mineral, you can help yourself and your loved ones be healthier, more resilient and patient. The therapeutic effect has proven itself well in the treatment of children.
In Egypt it was often used as a stone of good luck. It was applied to funeral masks or sacred beetles, as the color blue was considered a symbol of nobility, purity, health and good luck. The Egyptians also crushed the stone and used the powder as a remedy.
Sodalite
Name and origin
The name of the stone sodalite comes from the English word soda - sodium and the Greek lithos - stone. Other names for the mineral: hackmanite, alomite.
Sodalite is a chlorinated sodium aluminosilicate. This is a mysterious and quite rare semi-precious stone.
How and where is it formed
Sodalite occurs in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites, most often in granular masses. Transparent crystals of the mineral are found quite rarely and therefore they are in great demand among collectors. The most prized are purple and blue sodalite samples, which attract the eye with their rich color. Sodalite is a rather rare stone, but despite this it often forms large deposits.
Physicochemical characteristics
Chemical formula: 3Na2O•3Al2O3•6SiO2•2NaCl
Gloss - glass
Color - blue, white, pink, gray, green
Transparency - transparent, translucent
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale
Density - 2.29 g/cm3
Varieties
The variety containing sulfur is known as hackmanite.
Place of Birth
Sodalite is mined in areas of volcanic rock development, for example on the Kola Peninsula in Russia, in the Vesuvius region in Italy, as well as in mountainous areas in Portugal, Germany, Romania, India, Norway, Canada, USA, Brazil.
Application and Use
Today, translucent sodalites, usually blue, are used to create jewelry of all price categories; sodalites of other colors become an ornamental material for small decorative items - figurines, stands for bronze sculptures, stone balls and eggs, stone mosaic details. Sodalite is especially popular as a material for religious objects - for example, Buddhist figurines. Sodalite is also used for industrial purposes - in radio electronics and television.
How to distinguish real from fake
As a rule, sodalite itself is often passed off as lapis lazuli (both intentionally and out of ignorance), since it is cheaper. In beads and other inexpensive jewelry, slightly translucent sodalite is found much more often than lapis lazuli. Unlike lapis lazuli, the mineral sodalite does not contain sulfur ions and occurs in the form of an array of intergrown crystals. Sodalite has a more glassy luster and can be somewhat translucent compared to lapis lazuli (lapis lazuli is not translucent at all). Lapis lazuli is often associated with pyrite (golden colored inclusions), but sodalite is not. If there is any doubt whether a mineral is sodalite or lapis lazuli, it is better to consult an independent specialist, since lapis lazuli is valued higher and is often more expensive than sodalite.
Medicinal properties
Sodalite relieves diseases caused by increased radiation. In some countries, it is believed that blue minerals normalize blood pressure, regulate cardiac activity, reduce appetite and help with liver diseases. There is an opinion that beads and bracelets made from blue sodalite reduce nervous tension and relieve insomnia and nightmares. Sodalite is also useful for the prevention of eye diseases. Sodalite normalizes the functioning of the endocrine and lymphatic systems, normalizes metabolism. It has a particularly powerful effect on the thyroid gland - it treats diseases associated with it: inflammation, goiter, Graves' disease. Sodalite neutralizes the effects of excessive solar or radioactive exposure, and when placed on a sore spot, sodalite draws out tension and discomfort and even promotes the resorption of tumors. Sodalite lowers blood and arterial pressure, regulates cardiac activity, and reduces appetite. It treats kidneys, infectious diseases, bladder and pancreas. In addition, wearing sodalite strengthens bone tissue, and daily contemplation of a product made of blue or blue stone is an excellent prevention of eye diseases.
Magic properties
In magic, sodalite is used as a tool that can develop supernatural abilities in a person. Modern practicing magicians and mediums use it for meditation. Women are advised to wear sodalite beads to become more attractive. For men, the stone helps them quickly and accurately understand difficult situations and put their thoughts in order.
Talismans and amulets
Sodalite is a talisman for businessmen, scientists, teachers, practicing magicians and mediums. The talisman can be a product made from this stone or a small piece of unprocessed mineral. It gives its owner the opportunity to better understand the world around him, helps to find harmony and attracts success and universal sympathy.
An amulet in the form of a sodalite pendant helps its owner get rid of unjustified fears, develops intuition and helps to understand the essence of things.
Sodalite is a stone of courage, it develops intelligence and prudence, strengthens will and endurance, helps to focus on the main goal and persistently move along the chosen path. If you keep a piece of blue sodalite or a rough piece of stone at home, it will become an indicator of impending danger by changing color. Sodalite helps its owner better understand the world around him, find inner harmony, and also develops intuition up to supernatural abilities. Modern mediums use it to achieve a meditative state and call it the “third eye stone.”
Astrologically, sodalite is most suitable for those born from April 21 to May 21, from November 21 to 30, and also on the 12th lunar day. However, representatives of any zodiac sign can use its energy. Its influence is strongest on Thursdays and Fridays, the planetary associations are Venus and Jupiter.
sodalite is of great importance . The gem has a powerful healing effect on the spiritual and mental areas: it treats diseases caused by psychological and mental overstrain, stress, smoothes out overflowing emotions, relieves anger and fear, and removes obsessive feelings of guilt. It is used for neuroses, depression, headaches, and mental illnesses. It relaxes and calms, it is very useful for people who are sensitive and prone to self-flagellation. Beads and bracelets made of blue sodalite relieve their owner from insomnia and nightmares.
History and legends
The history of sodalite is dark - in Europe sodalite first became known only in the last few centuries, and the stone was first described in literature in 1811. Neither Pliny nor Herodotus mention sodalite, and it is not in the medieval “Lapidaries” - and this despite the fact that it was known to the ancient Incas in South America, who lined the walls and floors of houses with it, carved jewelry and sculpture from it, and extracted ultramarine blue mineral paint from sodalite powder. For some reason, the Spanish conquerors passed by sodalite - this only benefited the stone, because otherwise its already not great natural reserves would have been completely depleted by today.
Best regards, Katerina (Napoleonka)
Magic properties
Lapis lazuli balances the fifth chakra. The mineral is commonly known as Vishuddhe or throat chakra. It is associated with the inner voice and the development of creativity. In addition, among its benefits is the property of opening the third eye. Those who possess lapis lazuli will be able to perceive things beyond the ordinary, reaching higher degrees of consciousness.
Lapis lazuli increases a person's cognitive abilities as well as their physical abilities. In fact, it acts to throw away negative feelings, anger, hatred and resentment that cause mental wounds. Consequently, it allows its wearer to achieve peace, advance and achieve his goals by attracting prudence into his life.
Its use is recommended at conferences, interviews, exhibitions and any other activity that involves the need to express one's opinion clearly and simply. On the other hand, lapis lazuli removes curses:
- Helps communication;
- Will give light to the soul;
- Attracts wisdom and intelligence into a person's life.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
The magical properties of sodalite stone are expressed differently for zodiac signs. They reveal themselves especially brightly for Scorpios and Sagittarius. Sodalite will help restore vitality to these zodiac signs, increase determination, improve mental and physical condition, and allow them to achieve the maximum level of harmony.
The worst compatibility with Gemini. According to experts, sodalite has no contraindications as such. However, it is for Gemini that the help of the stone will be least expressed.
Compatibility with zodiac signs:
| Zodiac sign | Positive influence |
| Leo, Pisces | It will improve communication skills, bring good luck to life, allow you to conduct business successfully, and will have a positive effect on any endeavors. |
| Taurus, Scorpio, Sagittarius | For these zodiac signs it will be a medicine, it will make it easier to cope with the most severe diseases, and it will strengthen the body’s natural defenses and the human aura. |
| Virgo, Gemini | It will allow you to know yourself more deeply, reveal your inner world, give harmony, peace, and bring you closer to nature. |
| Aries, Cancer | For Pisces and Aries it will be a source of abundance, leading to success, financial well-being, personal growth, and a successful marriage. |
| Aquarius | It will make Aquarius more decisive, responsible, courageous, strengthen intuition, give energy and vitality. |
| Capricorns | A necessary attribute for the most obstinate sign of the zodiac, Capricorn. It will help to pacify a tough character, thereby establishing contact with others, eliminating many problems. |
| Scales | It will increase the mental abilities of Libra, improve memory, learning ability, and make it easier to memorize a large flow of information. |
To obtain magical properties, you need an individual approach, getting closer to the stone, exchanging energies, and trusting your assistant. If you do not believe in his magical power, you should not expect help. And also, do not ignore the recommendations in choosing a stone according to your horoscope!
Earrings with a gem.
How to spot a fake
Lapis lazuli has been one of the most commonly used materials in jewelry for thousands of years, and it is therefore no coincidence that it has become one of the most counterfeit stones in the world. It is not easy to tell what the difference is between fake and real lapis lazuli. The imitations are getting better every day. So how do you know if lapis lazuli is genuine?
- Look at the stone with a magnifying glass. Lapis lazuli has a dark blue (ultramarine) color. Fake parts are plain blue. Only the highest quality stone has a uniform blue color, with virtually no gold streaks. This lapis lazuli is very rare and is worth a fortune;
- Pay attention to the price. High quality lapis lazuli is not cheap. When you find lapis lazuli jewelry on sale, you better check it out carefully. Typically, a good quality natural lapis lazuli necklace costs over $40.
Name compatibility
Combines with the male name Roman and the female name Ekaterina. An absolute hit if people with these names are born under the signs of Scorpio, Taurus or Sagittarius.
Sodalite stone is suitable for names:
| Women's | Men's |
| Olga | Vladimir |
| Elizabeth | Sergey |
| Ksenia | Alexander |
| Anna | Daniel |
| Maria | Eugene |
| Pauline | Anton |
| Faith | Alexei |
| Evgeniya | Michael |
| Svetlana | Albert |
The magic of the stone is difficult to combine with female names: Vasilisa, Alina and Varvara. Girls with such names need to use the energy of the gem with caution, as it may have a negative impact. There may be an imbalance in sodalite with male names: Vasily, Oleg, Gregory.
Men's bracelet with sodalite.
How to wear and care
Lapis lazuli has proven itself well in jewelry. A large number of different products are made from it.
The mineral can be worn in plain sight on the outside of clothing, or it can be used as a talisman. As a rule, it is then fastened to the inside of the robe, thus no one sees the protective stone on the person.
Lapis lazuli is fragile by nature, so you need to be as careful as possible when caring for it. It can be rinsed with water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Compatibility
Lapis lazuli absolutely does not tolerate proximity to garnet, especially red shades. You should not wear it together with pyrope, grossular and almandine.
Friends with opal, pearl, peridot, emerald, topaz, aquamarine.
Application area
The stone is loved by magicians and psychics. It is used in amulets, which are used as a talisman against negative influences from ill-wishers.
It helps well in enhancing psychic abilities. People who develop in this direction open their third eye and can see much more than ordinary onlookers.
During therapeutic treatment, he is loved by housewives. They often place lapis lazuli beads under their household linens.
Fashionistas combine lapis lazuli jewelry with outfits and everyday looks. The stone is beautiful and beautiful.
