By Neville Ryan

Until recent years it was almost impossible to obtain large pieces of top quality Royal Blue Lapis because of the difficulty of mining and export from Afghanistan. The easing of restrictions means that large polished pieces are now possible. How long will it last? No one knows!

For most of its history Lapis was only available in small rough pieces that were priced by the gram and were very expensive and so was mainly purchased by stone cutters for jewelry or by mineral collectors. A fist size stone was considered to be a large piece. Nothing was available for those people looking for a beautiful large mineral art piece for their home, office or for a display piece in a public setting.

Lapis is one of the very few blue minerals where it is possible to create large sculptures. Although Lapis can be as small as a tumbled stone weighing a few grams it can also extend to sculptured pieces that weigh over 100 pounds. Not only can size and weight differences be dramatic but color variation is also a feature.

Colors can vary from the full color of the highly desirable Royal Blue Lapis, which is reminiscent of the deep blue waters of the Pacific ocean, to what is known as Denim Lapis which has a lighter blue tone with a high concentration of white calcite. Small inclusions of minerals in the Lapis such as pyrite and calcite also add to the mystique of the stone.

There are a large variety of Lapis sculptures available, with each piece being unique. These sculptures are created by carving the stone into a variety of designs and shapes. Many times the Lapis sculptures have been made by simply polishing and smoothing the stone, following the natural shape that nature created.

Besides being beautiful, the stone has a metaphysical side as well. Many people use it to help create feelings of peace and harmony and to help in stressful situations in the home, office or an individual. Therapists use it in their offices as it supports speaking ones truth.  It is also used to open ones intuition, balancing and supporting the 6th (or third eye) chakra. It is used in stone healing sessions as well.

Lapis has a rich history dating back to 3000 BC. It is mentioned in the Bible: “Moses and many other leaders of the people ascended Mt. Sinai. There, “they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself” (24:10). Favored by Egyptian royalty, it was crushed and used as makeup by Cleopatra and was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Whether you are attracted to Lapis for its beauty or for the peaceful energy and intuitive support it brings, it is a wonderful addition to any home or office.