Lapis lazuli has other names, for example, “stone of the sky.” In Persian, the name of the mineral is translated “blue”, which completely coincides with its color. This is a blue stone with low transparency. When light hits it, it forms a pale blue stripe that shimmers. Moreover, the stone shows all its attractiveness only in daylight. Under artificial light, lapis lazuli does not display that cold shine with which nature generously endowed it.
History of lapis lazuli stone
The history of this mineral goes back many centuries. Lapis lazuli was discovered by ancient geologists. In most cases, discoveries of this kind occur completely by accident. This is what happened with this stone. Its deposits were found in Persia. Death awaited everyone who approached his deposit. Moreover, the origin of a person did not play a role. The fact is that the right to own the most precious minerals known at that time belonged only to the Great Emir.
Much later, the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt began to use the heavenly stone in a different way. A powder was prepared from it, which was used to dye the clothes that belonged to the high priests. As a result, in the sun it shimmered with a sky blue color, and in the light of candles it was a dark blue hue. In addition, jewelry was made from lapis lazuli, as well as household items needed by the pharaohs.
Lapis lazuli balls were placed on the headdresses of Chinese emperors. Such decoration indicated that the monarch represented a messenger of heaven. Wealthy people in medieval Europe also dyed their clothes with mineral powder. Talented artists, in turn, used lapis lazuli to prepare blue paint, which later began to be called “ultramarine.”
In Russia, the extraction of lapis lazuli stone began only at the end of the 18th century, although its deposits had been discovered near Lake Baikal earlier. Russian stone is not of high quality because it contains a lot of calcite. Perhaps it was for this reason that Catherine the Great bought several five-meter columns from merchants from the east. They are still in St. Isaac's Cathedral. The empress paid a lot of money for these columns. Their weight was equal to the weight of silver taken away by eastern merchants as payment for decorative decoration.
Where is it used?
The only sphere of use of stone is the kingdom of beauty. It is classified as jewelry or decorative.
Jewelry
Turquoise is a universal gem; there is a suitable shade for men and women of any age.
The fragile gemstone is difficult to process, so the impact is minimal. It is turned into a cabochon for rings, rings, earrings, brooches, or left in fancy shapes for beads, bracelets, and pendants.
Bracelet with turquoise
Decor
The mineral is used to decorate tableware, watches, and pens. Small plastics are made from it. The most popular products made from turquoise are scarab beetles. They are most often counterfeited.
Price
The price depends on the properties and purity of the stone. The most expensive is a dense blue specimen without “mesh” or veins, up to $30 per carat (or $150 per gram). Porosity, spotting, patterning or yellowing will reduce the value. The smallest bead costs at least 40 rubles.
Modern mining of lapis lazuli stone
The most ancient of the deposits that are still in use is the Badakhshan deposit. It is noteworthy that until the 19th century it was the only one. It was these mines that belonged to the Great Emir. Now they continue to produce the highest quality, purest and most expensive lapis lazuli in the world. Its high cost is influenced by inclusions of pyrite with a golden hue. They make the stone look like a starry sky.
Connection with chakras, metals, trees, names
The third (Manipura, Solar Plexus) and sixth (Ajna, Brow) chakras are associated with the Sagittarius symbol. The stones used in chakra manipulations are yellow and blue.
The zodiac and jewelry metal of the constellation is silver. It emphasizes independence, attracts good luck, and facilitates communication. A good amulet is tin.
According to the Druid horoscope, the trees correspond to the time of the zodiac Sagittarius:
- ash: November 23 – December 1;
- hornbeam: December 2–11;
- figs: December 12–20.
On December 21, one of the days of the winter solstice, a personal tree was allocated - beech.
Magic stones are also selected by name. That is, in the general list they find options according to the zodiac sign. For example, Christina can wear onyx, carnelian, coral, rose quartz, garnet, and amber. Of these, the last two correspond to the constellation. The choice is made based on personal tastes or finances.
Fake lapis lazuli
There are suggestions that fake stones have begun to be produced in Thailand, which is famous for counterfeiting. However, this is not true. Even the ancient Egyptians began to use glaze and glass to obtain an artificial mineral. Now there is a great risk of buying fakes, which jewelry store owners are trying to pass off as natural stones.
There are stones in nature that resemble lapis lazuli. These include sodalite. In addition, synthetic stones whose crystals are grown artificially are often found on sale. In this case, pyrite inclusions are replaced with low-grade gold.
Among other things, mineralogists are familiar with the rock called “lapis lazuli.” It actually contains lapis lazuli. However, such stones contain many impurities, for example, mica. If a mineral of not the highest quality lapis lazuli is impregnated with a special dye, then in appearance it resembles lapis lazuli. When a blue dye is added to jasper and chalcedony, such stones are called “Swiss lapis.”
Of course, any buyer seeks to protect himself from purchasing a counterfeit. Specialists can visually determine whether the mineral in front of them is natural. It is optimal to subject the stone to spectral analysis, which is carried out in laboratories. Of course, fake minerals lack both healing and magical qualities.
How to spot a fake
The ancient Egyptians knew how to counterfeit turquoise. They melted glass, earthenware, and fossils, adding pigments. They were not afraid to put imitations even in the tombs of the pharaohs.
The difference between turquoise and fake
Today they offer plastic, ceramics, bone or glass instead.
It is difficult to visually distinguish a real stone from a fake.
The following signs will help you identify fake turquoise:
- A standard pebble is never larger than half a centimeter.
- Description of turquoise: very dense, massive, opaque, with a matte sheen.
- The surface of the natural mineral is rough, but without cracks or swelling. In glass or earthenware, inclusions and swellings are visible under a magnifying glass. The plastic looks smooth, evenly colored, and is almost weightless.
- Turquoise is easy to scratch with a needle, but the groove will be the same color as the surface. If an unpainted layer is detected, shavings have formed, or the needle jumps off the crystal, this means it is a fake. When scratching earthenware, the needle becomes dull.
- Natural stone is difficult to chip.
- The color of the stone should be the same on the beads and in the hole.
- A hot needle will only turn the natural mineral brown, the plastic will melt, and it will emit a chemical smell.
- If you dip the sample in alcohol and then wipe it, the remaining color on the napkin will indicate a fake.
- Imitation “Neolithic” or “Viennese turquoise” is revealed by hydrochloric acid. It will cause yellow spots to appear. Natural mineral will not react.
There is turquoise on the jewelry market, which occupies an intermediate position between natural stone and imitation:
- Fortified. Porous minerals of medium quality, impregnated with paraffin, fat or epoxy resin. The color remains the same, but the stone becomes stronger.
- Ennobled. Dyed, low-grade turquoise stones are identified by their smooth surface and bright color (usually apple green or pink).
- Restored (or pressed). Substandard powdered or low-grade material, painted and glued.
Jewelry with such stones is affordable; most of them are on the market.
Any inspection should be carried out from the inside of the product so as not to damage the stone. Testing with heat is problematic: natural stone can crack along the veins.
Artificial stone is made in a laboratory. Only an expert can identify nanoturquoise. Jewelry made from natural material is supplied with a quality certificate. The deposits of the stone are depleted, so it is never cheap.
Types and colors of lapis lazuli stone
The color range of lapis lazuli is quite significant. It cannot be limited exclusively to blue shades. Throughout the history of the stone, light turquoise and dark purple examples have been discovered. Through laboratory research, their belonging to the lapis lazuli stone was established. The most valuable are minerals of a dark blue and indigo hue, which have no inclusions. True, the most expensive stone is considered to be one with pyrite inclusions that have gold or silver tints. The hue of this mineral resembles purple.
In nature, there is a white stone with bright blue stripes on its surface. It is not considered particularly valuable. But this is an interesting craft material.
Fursi is the most accessible lapis lazuli. It is greenish-blue in color. Asmani lapis lazuli is somewhat more expensive. This is the most common mineral with a classic sky blue hue. Niili lapis lazuli is the most valuable stone with an indigo color.
Select by date of birth (decade)
Astrominerologists have developed a classification of stones by date of birth.
November 23 – December 2
The time frame of the November-December border refers to the first ten days. People born on these dates are protected by Jupiter. These are mobile people with the makings of adventurers, fearless warriors in the fight for justice. Their lucky stones: tiger's eye (the main stone of the decade), bloodstone, lapis lazuli, amethysts, quartz.
December 3–12
Sagittarians of this period are the favorites of Mars. Creatives who introduce a touch of novelty even into a routine procedure are susceptible to excitement. But the mood changes quickly and inexplicably. Their magic stones are turquoise, opals (except black ones), chrysoprase, rutile quartz (also known as hairy quartz), chalcedony, onyx.
Sagittarius birthstones by date of birth
December 13–21
The decade from December 13 to December 21 is supervised by the Sun. His charges are aesthetes and sybarites. They value beauty, style, and deluxe items. We are ready to work tirelessly to have them.
Gems that bring good luck are ruby (number one), red garnet, zircon, topaz and sapphires. Hyacinth and chrysolite are suitable.
People born on the border of decades, especially in leap years, have the right to use stones belonging to both periods.
Uses of lapis lazuli stone
Both jewelers and sculptors are partial to lapis lazuli. To create jewelry, bright blue, cornflower blue, and purple stones are used. True, for jewelers, color is not the determining factor on which they rely when establishing the quality of a mineral. The variety is of greatest importance.
Various museums around the world display exhibits made from this lapis lazuli. In the Hermitage, for example, there are beautiful vases and a striking tabletop, which is called “The Bottom of the Sea”. And the columns made of lapis lazuli in St. Isaac's Cathedral once again prove that this mineral is stunningly beautiful.
Gift ideas for Sagittarius
Jewelry with a precious or semi-precious stone is an ideal gift for a Sagittarius. But only if two conditions are met:
- giving a gift with good (positive) intentions;
- correspondence of the stone to human energy (just select a gem from the list presented earlier).
You should choose a gift taking into account the characteristics of its recipient.
For example, a male entrepreneur can be given a full-fledged amulet with zircon, ruby or emerald. They have a beneficial effect on the development of professional activity. An ideal gift for a girl would be a pendant with lapis lazuli, sapphire or topaz. Such decoration will increase self-confidence and make the lady more attractive in the eyes of others. It is better to give a young lady earrings with turquoise or amber. They will increase immunity and will be able to reveal the child’s hidden talents. For boys, a small pendant or bracelet with chrysolite is better suited. They will make the child more diligent, calm and self-confident. It is extremely difficult to tame the fiery character of Sagittarius. But this is not necessary. It is enough to balance a person’s internal energy. And stones will help achieve this. They can be presented as a gift to a loved one. Or you can add jewelry to your collection with them. The main thing is to choose the right mineral and carry it with you all the time. In this case, the manifestation of the gem’s energy will not take long to appear...
The healing properties of lapis lazuli stone
In ancient times, lapis lazuli powder was used by both artists and healers. For example, the healers of Ancient Egypt used crushed stone to cleanse the body of poisons and parasites. Of course, only wealthy people could purchase such a drug. In medieval Europe, healers believed that if you wear items made of lapis lazuli, you will be able to gain weight after exhaustion.
The owners of harems had a huge number of spouses. They cared about both the health of their women and their future children. For this reason, pregnant women wore long beads made from lapis lazuli. There was a belief that it helps to avoid miscarriage and improves the health of the baby and mother.
Modern lithotherapists advise using the mineral to improve vision. To do this, you need to look at the lapis lazuli closely for five minutes. This should be done several times a day. Experts recommend purchasing earrings with a stone for those who have thin hair and who suffer from baldness. In other words, the healing properties of lapis lazuli stone help to cope with hair loss.
A lapis lazuli necklace is an excellent cure for:
- hypertension;
- neuroses;
- insomnia;
- mental disorders;
- night visions and nightmares.
A pendant or brooch made of lapis lazuli will help alleviate radiculitis and bronchial asthma. Such products also become an excellent prevention of these diseases. High-quality Afghan stone, which has pyrite inclusions, can cure ulcers, even internal ones.
The heavenly colored mineral should be worn by people suffering from allergies and respiratory diseases, which are accompanied by swelling. The natural mineral helps cleanse the blood. It also helps with burns and other skin damage. The stone has a healing effect.
The magical properties of lapis lazuli stone
Lapis lazuli has always been used exclusively by white magicians. It symbolizes pure thoughts, honesty and kindness. For example, in the Middle Ages, people were presented with this stone to show their favorable attitude towards it. Of course, not everyone could receive such a gift.
Who is lapis lazuli stone suitable for with its magical properties? If a person strives to make his aura cleaner, become kinder and adhere to bright plans, then the mineral will easily help with this. People are confident that it was created by nature for a reason and that it has a heavenly origin. Among the magical properties of the lapis lazuli stone, one can highlight getting rid of negative thoughts, difficult memories, and grievances.
If the work involves active communication with different people, then the lapis lazuli stone, made in a silver frame, will become a talisman and amulet that will protect its owner from external influences. When a person wears a silver ring with a mineral all the time, he makes the right decisions, is distinguished by wisdom and knows how to find the truth. Such decorations were an attribute of rulers and sages whose life achievements were impressive.
Zodiac signs
Turquoise, like any stone that has magical properties, has a special effect on the zodiac sign Taurus. People born from March 20 to April 19 are especially favored by this mineral. For hot-tempered Taurus, the blue mineral helps keep emotions under control. So, who is turquoise suitable for besides Taurus?
The stone is suitable for Sagittarius and Aries. Sagittarians love him because she brings joy and optimism into their lives. The white variety of this mineral is especially suitable for Aries. White turquoise also has a good effect on Pisces and Virgos.
Green turquoise and the zodiac sign Scorpio are literally made for each other. This gem allows you to suppress aggression and outbursts of anger, characteristic of representatives of this sign. Turquoise is favored by all signs under the protection of planets such as Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn. The only exception is Leos; turquoise is strictly contraindicated for them.
Turquoise jewelry is not only stylish accessories that complement the look. It is also a powerful protective amulet and a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Carrying this stone with you allows you to achieve success in your career, harmonize relationships between people and maintain health.
