Lapis Lazuli: The Timeless Stone of Royalty and Mysticism

Lapis lazuli, known for its captivating deep blue hue with specks of gold, is a gemstone that has mesmerized humanity for millennia. From the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs to the brushstrokes of Renaissance masters, lapis has long been a symbol of power, wisdom, and artistry.

What Is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of the mineral lazurite, which gives it its signature ultramarine blue color. It also contains calcite (which appears white), sodalite (a softer blue), and pyrite, a mineral often called "fool’s gold" due to its metallic luster. These inclusions contribute to lapis’s unique and visually striking appearance—an interplay of deep celestial blue with golden sparkles and subtle white veining.

Unlike most gemstones, lapis is not valued for transparency or brilliance, but for its rich, opaque body color and natural texture.

A History Steeped in Royalty and Myth

Lapis lazuli has one of the longest and most fascinating histories of any gemstone. It has been mined since at least the 3rd millennium BCE, primarily from the Sar-i Sang mines in what is now northeastern Afghanistan—a region that still produces the highest quality lapis today.

This gemstone was treasured by the ancient Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, who traded and carved lapis into beads, amulets, and cylinder seals. It symbolized the heavens and was thought to offer spiritual protection and divine connection.

Archaeologists have found lapis jewelry dating as far back as Naqada (3300–3100 BCE), an early Predynastic Egyptian site. The Egyptians revered lapis for its regal qualities. Cleopatra famously used ground lapis as a vibrant blue eyeshadow, and lapis scarabs and inlays were buried in royal tombs to guide the dead into the afterlife. The funerary mask of Tutankhamun includes lapis in its decorative details.

As lapis made its way through the ancient trade routes into Europe, it eventually took on a new life during the Renaissance, when artists crushed the stone into ultramarine pigment—then the most expensive and prized blue in the world. The Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer used this pigment in his 1665 masterpiece, Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Where Lapis Is Found

While Afghanistan has long been the traditional and primary source of lapis lazuli, it can also be found in:

• Chile – Especially in the Andes near Ovalle, Chilean lapis is lighter and more calcite-rich.

• Russia – Mined near Lake Baikal in Siberia, it has a slightly more violet tone.

• Pakistan – Produces lapis comparable in quality to Afghan deposits.

• Italy, the United States (California, Colorado), and Canada – These have small or secondary deposits with limited commercial output.

Still, Afghan lapis remains the global gold standard due to its intense blue color and high lazurite content.

How Lapis Is Mined and Cut

Traditional lapis mining in Afghanistan is still largely done by hand, involving chisels and manual labor in remote mountain conditions. After extraction, lapis is sorted by quality—based on color uniformity, the presence of pyrite, and how much calcite it contains.

Once lapis is cut, it is typically shaped into cabochons, beads, inlays, or carvings. Because it is an opaque stone with a relatively low hardness, it is rarely faceted. Lapis is also carved into decorative objects, cameos, and small sculptures.

Durability and Care

Lapis lazuli is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5. This means it's more prone to scratches, chips, and abrasion and should be treated with care—especially in rings or bracelets subject to daily wear.

Care tips for lapis jewelry:

• Avoid chemicals: Lapis is porous and sensitive to acids, solvents, and household cleaners.

• Use gentle cleaning: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

• Store separately: Keep lapis in a soft pouch or box to prevent it from being scratched by harder stones.

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which may fade the deep blue color over time.

Lapis in Jewelry

Lapis is a favorite for artists and jewelers who want to create bold, elegant, and distinctive designs. You’ll find lapis used in:

• Pendants and statement necklaces

• Cabochon rings and earrings

• Inlays in watches, cufflinks, and belt buckles

• Artisan beads and beaded strands

• Men’s jewelry, where its rich color pairs well with silver or steel

Lapis looks especially striking when set in sterling silver, but it also pairs beautifully with gold for a more regal appearance.

Meaning and Symbolism

Throughout history, lapis lazuli has symbolized truth, inner power, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. It was believed to protect the wearer from evil, strengthen the mind, and enhance communication. Many ancient cultures considered lapis to be a stone of the gods and heavens.

In modern metaphysical traditions, lapis is associated with the throat and third-eye chakras, promoting clarity, intuition, and self-expression. It's thought to inspire honesty in communication and encourage deep introspection.

Its enduring appeal and symbolism make lapis a thoughtful gift for those who value self-awareness, wisdom, or simply appreciate its rich history and beauty.

Historical Significance in Art and Culture

Lapis played a major role in both adornment and fine art across cultures. The development of ultramarine pigment, for example, revolutionized Renaissance painting. Artists often reserved this brilliant blue only for the most important figures or scenes—often the robes of the Virgin Mary—due to the pigment’s cost and symbolic purity.

The gemstone’s cross-cultural presence—from ancient Mesopotamian amulets to Buddhist rosaries and European paintings—has made it a powerful visual and spiritual motif through the ages.

Final Thoughts

Lapis lazuli is more than just a gemstone. It is a piece of the earth’s history, infused with the cultures, beliefs, and artistry of ancient and modern civilizations alike. Its vivid beauty, symbolic meaning, and rich past make it a compelling choice for those looking to wear or give a gem that carries both visual and spiritual weight.

Whether you're drawn to its celestial blue color, its mystical symbolism, or its artistic legacy, lapis continues to enchant and inspire as one of the world’s most meaningful and enduring gems. View our Lapis Jewelry Collection online or visit our shop in Virginia Beach.