Lapis Lazuli is a highly sought-after stone that’s been a symbol of royalty since the beginning of time. Crystals with such rich history deserve to be further explored and recognized. Let’s talk about the history of this gemstone and its many uses and meanings.
What Is Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a bright blue crystal that’s valued based on its color. This stone is often used for pigment in cosmetics and paint because of its vibrant color. It has a Mohs hardness of 3-5 and is found in metamorphic rocks.
This stone isn’t just one mineral. It’s composed of multiple minerals, mainly lazurite, although these rocks also contain calcite and pyrite. To be called Lapis Lazuli, the rock has to have a bright blue color and be 25% blue lazurite.
Lapis Lazuli Shapes and Forms
Cluster
Lapis Lazuli clusters are pieces of stone that have naturally formed together. The signature royal blue hue of Lapis Lazuli is heightened by the neutral colors of the crystalline marble that it is often found in.
Points
Lapis Lazuli points are stones that have been cut and polished into a sharp point. These are often used in crystal grids or for meditation, as the point helps to direct and focus energy.
Raw
Lapis Lazuli in its raw state looks like an ordinary rock with streaks of deep blue, like paint strokes from an artist’s brush. The contrasting veins of white calcite give Lapis Lazuli an added dimension of beauty.
Beads
Beads are small, round stones that have been cut and polished. There is evidence that Lapis Lazuli beads were used as jewelry in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan in 3000 BC.
Plates
Disc-shaped Lapis Lazuli is commonly called a “plate”. These plates are used for display purposes or can be placed on the body during meditation or crystal healing sessions.
Spheres
Lapis Lazuli spheres are polished into a perfect sphere shape. These are used for crystal ball gazing, meditation, or placed in a room to emit the stone’s peaceful energy.
Tumbled Stones
A machine called a "rock tumbler" percolates raw Lapis Lazuli with water and abrasive grit. The process “tumbles” the raw stones until they lose their jagged edges, leaving you with stones as smooth as pebbles found on a beach.
Symbolism Of Lapis Lazuli
The specific blue of this stone has represented honor, power, and vision for as long as it’s been around. It’s the universal stone of wisdom and was a highly prized tribute in Ancient Egypt. The sarcophagus of King Tut was covered in Lapis Lazuli. It allowed the dead to reach the next world safely and quickly.
Ancient royalty had their clothes dyed with Lapis Lazuli to differentiate themselves from others. It was regarded as a symbol of royalty being gods themselves. It was even referenced in the Old Testament of the Bible as the fifth stone on the breastplate of the High Priest.
Since this stone stimulates the thought process, it’s often used to enhance memory and your desire for truth. Lapis Lazuli is a stone of truth and promotes honesty for all who use it. This stone also is closely tied to the bond in a friendship because of its power to strengthen it.
The Meaning Behind Lapis Lazuli
In Latin, lapis means stone, and lazhuward in Persian means blue. In ancient Persia, this gemstone was symbolic of the night sky because of its blue hue with gold flecks. It was used in medieval Europe to counteract evil spirits. Buddhists used Lapis Lazuli to bring them inner peace.
This crystal is one of the oldest spiritual stones known on earth. It was used to stimulate psychic abilities for healers and represented the universal truth. The blue energy of the stone aids in compassion towards others and teaches us discretion. In meditation, it helps people connect to their past lives and learn about lost civilizations. If you dream about this stone, it means that you are in a faithful, loving relationship.
Lapis Lazuli Meanings in Divination
The divinatory meaning of Lapis Lazuli revolves around standing out. If you have been feeling like a wallflower lately, it is time to take the spotlight. Don't be shy about showing off your talents—just like the stone's distinctive color, you should allow your uniqueness to shine through.
Steadfast love is also associated with Lapis Lazuli. If you have been dreaming of this stone, it may be a sign that you are about to meet your soulmate or experience deep, lasting love.
Lapis Lazuli Meanings in Talismans and Amulets
The stone keeps negative energies at bay while simultaneously drawing in positive, high vibrational energies—helping us attract respect from others without needing to demand it.
Lapis Lazuli's symmetric internal crystal structure also makes it an excellent "building block" talisman to fill in the gaps in our lives and boost our efforts to improve ourselves. Optimism, focus, and perseverance are just a few of the energies this stone can infuse us with, as well as serenity in the face of difficult times.
Amulets that feature Lapis Lazuli can be used for protection during travel, both physical and spiritual. It is a helpful stone for those who tend to attract chaos or disharmony into their lives, as it will work to filter out the negative and keep the wearer surrounded by positive energy.
Lapis Lazuli Meanings in Ancient Lore and History
Ancient Assyrians, Sumerians, and Babylonians have all left records attesting to their high regard for Lapis Lazuli.
Two of the most striking records come from Egypt and Jerusalem.
The Egyptian Book of the Dead speaks of Lapis Lazuli—called chesbet—as one of the stones used in amulets to be placed on the body, most notably the tet: a symbol of a mason's table placed on the neck for protection. According to legend, only after successfully passing through the underworld and having their hearts weighed on a great scale could those who wore the tet be reunited with their bodies.
The great King Solomon was said to have been decorated with a magical ring adorned with a Lapis Lazuli stone, which gave him the power to command demons, who he used to build his great temple in Jerusalem.
Lapis Lazuli Metaphysical Properties
Lapis Lazuli has a long and textured history of being used as a talisman by royalty and warriors. This striking blue stone is not only beautiful, but its unique metaphysical properties make it a powerful ally in the spiritual realm.
Psychic attacks are left defenseless against Lapis Lazuli's energies. This stone can quickly identify when someone is projecting harmful thoughts or intentions your way and will work to nullify the effects of the negativity.
By protecting us from outside forces, Lapis Lazuli allows us to feel more at peace. It soothes tempers, quells anxiety, and releases stress—syncing the mind and body back into harmony.
Those who work with Lapis Lazuli can express themselves more fully and authentically. This stone encourages you to be honest and open in your communication, while also teaching the importance of tact and diplomacy. If you don't feel like you're in control of your life, Lapis Lazuli will help you stay true to yourself and take charge.
Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties
Lapis Lazuli has many healing properties that benefit everyone and anyone who is willing. In the realm of physical healing, Lapis Lazuli rings are used to aid in hearing loss and blockages in the nasal passage. It also benefits the thyroid glands and improves overall circulation. It’s known to reduce vertigo and help you sleep.
If you suffer from eye infections, Lapis Lazuli helps with this too. It also reduces the appearance of bruises and helps heal bug bites. Women who suffer from menstrual cramps will benefit from this stone. It reduces migraines and stiffness, as well as regulating cycles.
As far as mental healing powers, Lapis Lazuli does not disappoint. It reveals lots of inner truth for those who use it and encourages the release of repressed anger and other emotions. If you struggle with social ability, Lapis Lazuli helps you deal with others. This crystal promotes empathy and considers to be one of the crystals for empaths. It will allow you to be honest with other people and find what brings you together without unnecessary conflict.
Lapis Lazuli's healing properties run deep, making it a stone of intense power. Let's explore some of the important ways this stone can help you feel your best:
Physical Healing Properties
Head and neck pain are said to be eased by Lapis Lazuli.
Healers employ this stone to alleviate nervous and respiratory system disorders. It is also used to bolster the thyroid, larynx, and throat.
Lapis Lazuli is also said to detoxify the bone marrow and cleanse the blood, giving a much-needed boost to those with compromised immune systems.
For those battling vertigo and insomnia, Lapis Lazuli's balancing properties can help you feel more centered and at ease.
Mental & Emotional Healing Properties
A splendid crystal for those in the field of education, Lapis Lazuli stimulates the desire for knowledge, truth, and understanding and aids in memory recall.
The stone's calming and serene energy helps to ease stresses and strains, releasing tension and bringing about deep inner peace. Like a river's current, Lapis Lazuli guides us to where we need to go, drawing apart the veils that block our view of the truth.
Solving problems with creative thinking comes more easily when Lapis Lazuli is nearby. This crystal is wonderful for those who are feeling stuck, as it can provide new perspectives and open up fresh possibilities.
It also supports emotional healing by revealing repressed feelings and blockages.
Chakra Healing Properties
Commonly used by healers and spiritualists to spur the development of psychic abilities, Lapis Lazuli is thought to open the Third Eye and Throat chakras.
By activating your Third Eye chakra, Lapis Lazuli is said to enhance your intuition and psychic abilities. Enabling us to see beyond the veils of illusion, this stone promotes spiritual vision and revelation. It can be used as a tool for shamanic journeying and accessing Akashic records.
Lapis Lazuli also opens the Throat chakra, empowering you to express your truth without fear or hesitation. When the Throat chakra is in balance, we have no problem communicating our needs and desires. We speak our truth with clarity and confidence, and we can listen to others without judgment.
How to use Lapis Lazuli crystal
Whether you decide to wear this stone or put it at an altar in your space, you’ll benefit from having Lapis Lazuli around. Here are some of the ways to use this gemstone in your life.
Bringing this crystal into your home or office will protect you from negative energy. If you’re looking for a way to bridge a communication gap, this is the way to go. The wisdom from this stone allows you to problem-solve better and explore deeper knowledge within yourself. If you struggle with insomnia, placing Lapis Lazuli bracelets under your pillow will provide you with restful sleep.
Wearing Lapis Lazuli as jewelry allows you direct contact with the stone. This has many of its own benefits, allowing its energy to flow directly from the stone to your body. You’ll be able to soak up all the healing abilities of the stone while sporting a stylish necklace or bracelet. It’ll bring you emotional balance and protect you from things like panic attacks.
Wearing Lapis Lazuli
Adorning yourself with Lapis Lazuli helps to bring about harmony in every aspect of your life. The most ideal way to receive the benefits of this crystal is to wear it as jewelry.
Astrologists generally recommend platinum or silver as the best metals to set Lapis Lazuli in. They work with the energies of the stone instead of competing with them. Whatever you do, gold should be avoided as it has the opposite effect.
For Lapis Lazuli bracelets, rings, or bands, it's best to wear them on your dominant hand to help direct the energies of the bracelet towards your goals.
Saturday evenings with waning moons are the ideal time to flaunt your new Lapis Lazuli necklace. Perfect for a long-anticipated date night or a swanky gala event, this is the time when your necklace will be at its peak power—which means you will be, too!
Lapis Lazuli at Home
Some respond so strongly to this stone's energies that they prefer to keep it at home where they can control their exposure to it.
This is a great idea if you have a lot of stress in your life or are feeling particularly unbalanced. By keeping Lapis Lazuli in your home, you create an oasis of calm and serenity.
A central location is best, such as an entryway table or a coffee table in your living room. You can also place it in your bedroom on your nightstand to help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
Lapis Lazuli at Work
Ever feel like you're banging your head against a brick wall at work? If you have a high-stress job or are constantly butting heads with your boss, keeping Lapis Lazuli on your desk can help alleviate some of that tension.
This is especially true if you work in customer service or another people-oriented field. The energies of this stone can help to soothe frazzled nerves and defuse tense situations—amazing for when you're about to lose your cool with a difficult customer.
Meditation with Lapis Lazuli
This is the perfect stone for those who are just beginning to meditate. Plumbing the depths of your mind can be a scary prospect, but Lapis Lazuli will help to keep you anchored in the present moment.
The stone's ability to center and calm the mind is said to enhance one's journey into meditation and prayer, providing clarity of thought and emotional tranquility.
Lapis Lazuli Crystal Therapies
Lapis Lazuli's ability to restore balance to our chakras makes it an invaluable tool in crystal therapy.
Healers will often use this stone to open the Throat chakra and help the wearer to express themselves more freely.
For those suffering from high blood pressure, this crystal can help to soothe and relax the body, bringing the numbers down to a more manageable level.
Lapis Lazuli is also said to help treat female reproductive issues like PMS and cramps, as well as help older women ease into menopause.
Cleansing And Charging Lapis Lazuli
When cleansing your Lapis Lazuli, it is best to keep it simple. Warm water and soap is the easiest way to accomplish this. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, or else your stone could be damaged. Dry your stone afterward with a soft material and put it in a cool, dry area.
Leaving your Lapis Lazuli in a bowl of hematite will allow it to absorb the energy of this stone and charge it overnight. Keep this stone away from chemicals and toxins so that it will stay connected to nature. Remember that using salt could scratch the polished finish of Lapis Lazuli.
How to Cleanse Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli requires a bit more care than most other crystals. Scrubbing your stone with soap and water or exposing it to harsh chemicals will damage its delicate surface.
We recommend sage smoke to clear away negative energy, but in a pinch, placing it near Clear Quartz or Amethyst will also do the trick.
If you want to use other stones for your Lapis stone (or any other stone really), refer to Selenite to cleanse crystals from negative energy.
To remove dust from your stone, a quick rinse in cold water will do the job nicely. Just be sure to dry it with a microfiber cloth or soft cotton towel to avoid scratching the surface.
How to Charge Lapis Lazuli?
If you feel your crystal's energies waning, take a few minutes to recharge it with this simple method:
Using your dominant hand, hold your crystal close to your heart.
Feel its weight in your hand and take a few deep, slow breaths.
Now, close your eyes and focus on your intention for the crystal.
Do you want to attract love, wealth, or happiness? Envision these desires clearly in your mind and send them into the structure of the stone.
If you have Quartzes or Jaspers at home, you can place your Lapis Lazuli next to them overnight for the best results. Tumbled Hematite and Selenite also work well.
Lapis Lazuli Birthstone
Lapis is closely tied with Neptune and Venus. It is one of the Virgo birthstones They seek adventure and travel to expand their points of view. They seek freedom and journeys that will lead them to discover new ideas. These people will specifically benefit from the Lapis Lazuli stone.
Note: check out all the Zodiac birthstones and Birthstones by month in our complete guides.
Lapis Lazuli Traditional Birthstone
This stone is generally not considered a traditional birthstone, though it is a stone for one's 7th and 9th wedding anniversaries.
Lapis Lazuli Natural Birthstone
Those born between February 19th and March 19th count Lapis Lazuli as their natural birthstone.
Which Zodiac Sign is Associated with Lapis Lazuli?
The stone is most strongly associated with Sagittarius but can also be used as an alternative stone for Capricorn and Libra. All three signs benefit from the crystal's ability to open communication and relax the mind.
Chakra Association
Lapis Lazuli activates the Third Eye and Throat chakra. Both of these are essential for our perception of the world and our communication within it. We can relate to ourselves through the Third Eye chakra and commands the energy flow of our body.
With this stone, we can clearly understand what is happening around us, and we’re open to new ideas. If the throat chakra is blocked, it affects the energy flow of the other chakras. When this chakra is balanced, we can bring our truth into the world freely and without negativity. We’re able to effectively communicate our ideas and emotions to others and ourselves.
Paying attention to how your body and spirit are feeling is extremely important for chakra healing and meditation practices. The lower chakras need a clear path to release naturally once they reach the top of your body. The blue energy of this crystal allows for this to happen. It expands your awareness and puts you on the path to enlightenment and spiritual power.
Lapis Lazuli Crystal Combinations
The soft, calming energies of Lapis Lazuli help complement a variety of other stones. Its versatility means it can be paired with different crystals to create different effects.
Some of our favorite Lapis Lazuli combinations include:
Lapis Lazuli and Selenite
Selenite is a stone of mental clarity. Combining its energies with those of Lapis Lazuli can help to still the mind and slough away negative thoughts. Perfect for use in meditation, this pairing can help you to connect with your higher self and access ancient wisdom.
Lapis Lazuli and Clear Quartz
The lucid energies of Clear Quartz can amplify the properties of other stones. Its ability to awaken our Third Eye and Crown chakras makes it the perfect partner for Lapis Lazuli. Use this combination to open your psychic channels and gain a greater understanding of the universe.
Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise
Turquoise can help to boost your confidence and self-expression, while Lapis Lazuli will help you find the right words for any situation.
Together, these stones will help you to communicate your truth and be heard. Self-acceptance and forgiveness are also themes of this combination.
Lapis Lazuli and Aquamarine
Both Lapis Lazuli and Aquamarine are stones of communication. Combining them can help to ease the anxieties that come with public speaking and other forms of communication, including psychic channeling.
Aquamarine's soothing energies intensify Lapis Lazuli's ability to calm the mind, making this pairing ideal for those who tend to overthink or wear their heart on their sleeve.
Lapis Lazuli and Opal
Perhaps our favorite way to use Lapis Lazuli is in combination with Opal. The iridescence of Opal catches the light and reflects it in a myriad of colors, while Lapis Lazuli's deep blue hues provide a stunning contrast.
Opal's prismatic reflections help to expand our consciousness and connect us with the spiritual realm, while Lapis Lazuli's energies ground us. Together, they create a perfect balance—ideal for those who want to explore their spirituality without losing touch with reality.
Lapis Lazuli and Emerald
Emerald's ability to open our Heart chakra and foster compassion pairs perfectly with Lapis Lazuli's throat-opening energies. This combination can help to ease communication in relationships, as well as open us up to giving and receiving love more freely.
Those already in relationships can benefit from this pairing, as well. The stones can cultivate a deeper understanding and connection with our partners, gently but effectively opening us up to new levels of intimacy, loyalty, and trust.
Bottom Line
Lapis Lazuli is a stone that’s been gifted to us from above. There aren’t many gemstones with such a rich history and powerful meaning behind them. Even after centuries of usage, this stone is still able to bring wonder and amazement to those who use it. If you’re struggling to use their intuition and ability to connect with the world, try Lapis Lazuli.
FAQ on Lapis Lazuli
Where Can Lapis Lazuli be Found?
The main repositories of Lapis Lazuli are found in Afghanistan. It can also be found in Russia's Lake Baikal and Peru's Andes mountains. Small deposits are also mined each year in Canada, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Italy. Some deposits have also been found in the U.S., particularly in Arizona, California, and Colorado.
How to Activate Lapis Lazuli?
Holding Lapis Lazuli close to smoke from a sage smudge stick or incense is a quick way to release negative energies from the stone and ready it for use. It's also a great way to prepare yourself for meditation or energy work.
If you have Selenite, touch your Lapis Lazuli to it for a few minutes. Selenite is a powerful cleansing stone, and its energies can help to remove any residual negative energy from your Lapis Lazuli.
You can also place your Lapis Lazuli in direct sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. Be sure to collect your stone before the sun sets or rises so as not to confuse its energies.
Being clear about your intention for working with Lapis Lazuli is important, as this will help the stone to focus its energies more effectively.
What Does Lapis Lazuli Help With?
The clarity afforded by Lapis Lazuli can be beneficial in many areas of our lives. It can help us to see the truth in ourselves and others, as well as the potential for growth and change.
Mental fog and confusion lift in the presence of Lapis Lazuli, making it an excellent stone for students or anyone who is working on expanding their knowledge.
What is Lapis Lazuli Good For?
Lapis Lazuli's Throat chakra opening properties make it a powerful stone for those who want to improve their communication skills.
This stone is also helpful for those who want to improve their psychic abilities or channeling skills due to its Third Eye chakra opening energies.
Lapis Lazuli can also foster a sense of emotional calm, making it easier to process your feelings without being overwhelmed by them. This gives you a chance to reflect and learn from challenging experiences rather than being bogged down by them.
What Chakra is Lapis Lazuli Associated With?
Lapis Lazuli is associated mainly with the Throat and Third Eye chakras.
