By Neville Ryan

EarthGallery.com

Lapis is the Latin word for stone and Lazuli is the ancient Persian word for blue. Lapis has been mined in Afghanistan since 7000 B.C. Because of the cost and beauty it was only available to royalty and high priests.  It was used for the eyebrows on the funeral mask of King Tutankhamun and was crushed and used as eye shadow by Cleopatra.

At the end of the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli began to be exported to Europe, where it was ground into powder and made into Ultramarine, the finest and most expensive of all blue pigments. It was used by the most important artists of the Renaissance and Baroque, including  Michelangelo, Massaccio, Perugino, Titian and Vermeer.

Lapis is a rock comprised mainly of Lazurite mixed with Calcite (white),  Sodalite (blue) and Pyrite (metallic yellow). Lapis takes an excellent polish and can be made into jewelry, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments and vases. On rare occasions high quality pieces are large enough to be able to be polished following the natural contours of the stone. These Lapis sculptures are a sight to behold. Tumbled Lapis stones can be carried on the person or used in healing ceremonies or on altars.

Lapis is one of the oldest spiritual stones used by mankind. Its intense blue color and metaphysical properties have led to it being used by countless civilizations, religions and healers right up to the present. It is known for creating feelings of peace and harmony and can help in stressful situations in the home, office or an individual. The dysfunction of dis-ease is caused when the body is out of balance. Lapis will help keep your male and female aspects in balance, relieve anger and frustration and help you rid yourself of those seemingly ever present negative or limiting thoughts.

When the body is in balance not only do you feel well but your concentration will increase and your clarity will be enhanced. This in turn gives you a level of peace that allows for the development of wisdom and enlightenment. Lapis is also beneficial in enhancing relationships, enlivening the creative process and increasing our awareness of the world. Lapis is said to be beneficial for many ailments. Among these are thyroid, migraines, menstrual problems, sinus, sleep and nervous disorders, immune system problems and pain relief.

Lapis, which for most of our history was only available to royalty, is now available to everyone. From the humble tumbled stone to the magnificent lapis sculptures there are pieces available to fit every person’s price point and desire.