LAPIS LAZULI BIRTHSTONE

Introduction of Lapis Lazuli as birthstone?
One of the birthstones of September is Lapis Lazuli. Those born in September can enjoy the calm and unique aura of lapis lazuli.
Lapis lazuli is the stone for the people whose zodiac sign is Libra. This stone is one of the unique stones that can boost one’s confidence and style.
It is a tradition to give a lapis lazuli ring as a gift on the 9th wedding anniversary

LAPIS LAZULI BIRTHSTONE MEANING and HISTORY
The word “Lapis Lazuli” has been derived from two words, Lapis meaning “stone” and Azul or Lazhuward which means “blue”.
Lapis lazuli gemstone illustrates sagacity, truth and healing. It also symbolizes royalty, power, spirit and honor.
In some translations of the Bible, it is said that the word “lapidis sapphirini” has been used to describe “lapis lazuli” and “sapphire”. However, some biblical scholars believe that most of these references in the Bible are related to lapis lazuli stone because sapphire was not known at that time.
Lapis lazuli was previously called “Lajevard” because of its discovery in the area named Lajevard. The literal meaning of the word “Lajevard” is “heaven” or “sky”. Lapis lazuli is also called the “Stone of the Gods” and “Stone of Heaven”.
In ancient Egypt, the judges used to wear amulets consisting of lapis lazuli because they believed this stone to be a sign of veracity. The ancient Egyptians theorized that the Re, the god of the Sun was made up of this stone.
Lapis lazuli was also viewed as the emblem of expertise and achievement in the Jewish tradition. It was thought that the blue color was the reflection of heaven and gold flecks in this stone depicted the sun.
In Christianity, it is presumed that lapis lazuli represents the Jesus’s mother.
Location of Lapis Lazuli Stone Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock. It is formed in marble gone through contact metamorphism.

Afghanistan: Badakhshan province in the northeast Afghanistan is the most important source of Lapis lazuli. Sar e sang mines are the most prominent source of this gemstone. The world’s finest lapis stones are found here. It is an impoverished area where stone mining is one of the few sources of revenue. This area is 7000 years old operating mine of Lapis lazuli in the world.
This area is under the rule of the Taliban who demand security payments from mine operators. This money is then used to fund terrorism. Many advocates think that the lapis lazuli of Afghanistan should be considered as a “conflict mineral”.
Lapis lazuli in Badakhshan is also smuggled to different countries. So, the government should track the production as well as sale of lapis lazuli so that the illegal trade of lapis lazuli can be constrained.

India: In India, lapis lazuli is found in Bhirrana in the Indian state Haryana.
Russia: In Russia, it is found in the mines near the lake Baikal, world’s largest freshwater
lake.
Pakistan: In Pakistan, this stone is mined in small quantities in
· Muhammad district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
· Gilgit Baltistan
· Balochistan
Chile: The Andes Mountains, one of the world’s longest mountain ranges.

United States of America:
· Arizona
· Colorado
· California
Canada: Near lake Harbour, Southern Baffin Island

Lapis Lazuli Birthstone Care and Cleaning:
The Mohs hardness of Lapis lazuli is only 5-6, so the stone must be used with care. It is better to use lapis lazuli in earrings, pins and pendants where the chance of abrasion is less. If this stone is used in rings or bracelets, repeated polishing is needed to avoid abrasion.
Jewellery items containing lapis lazuli should be kept separated from one another. The stone is submerged in warm water with a few drops of detergent. Then the stone is cleaned with the help of a soft brush. Mechanical cleaners and household cleaning agents should not be used.
Lapis lazuli with wax or resin coating has more endurance and durability than the
uncoated stone. But wax or resin coated stones should not be kept in intense sunlight for a long period.

Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli Stone
Lapis lazuli is thought to bring serenity and wisdom.

Physical Healing: Lapis lazuli is believed to relieve insomnia, purifies blood, heals sprained ligaments and lowers blood pressure. It also boosts the functioning of the nervous and respiratory system. It heals ailments related to the eye.
Emotional Healing: Lapis lazuli motivates people to speak the truth whatever the
circumstances may be. That is why it is also known as the Stone of Truth. It boosts one’s confidence.
Balancing Energies: Metaphysical properties of Lapis lazuli help one avoid getting burned out in this busy world. It enhances wisdom. Meditation with this stone helps one live a balanced life.
Spiritual Energy: In Buddhism, this stone serves as a source of healing spiritual suffering. It facilitates Astral travel.

How Lapis Lazuli Stone gets its color? What are the other colors of Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a blue colored stone with specks of white and gold. The blue color of lapis lazuli ranges from deep violet blue to light blue to turquoise blue to greenish blue.
Lapis lazuli consists of a diversity of minerals. Important ones are listed below:
· Lazurite
· Calcite
· Pyrite
· Sodalite
· Dolomite
· Diopside

Ø The mineral Lazurite with chemical composition (Na,Ca) 8 (AlSiO 4 ) 6 (S, Cl, SO 4 , OH) 2 is responsible for its blue color. At least 25% of the specimen of Lapis lazuli must contain blue lazurite. Sulphur content of lazurite gives blue shade to the stone.
Ø White specks which are quite obvious are because of the presence of calcite. Calcite sometimes gets mixed up with lazurite to produce faded denim color. It affects gemstone transparency.
Ø Pyrite occurs randomly in lapis lazuli and is the cause of gold speckling.
Ø Sodalite occurs as light blue patches.

Lapis Lazulli Stone in Jewelry?
Lapis lazuli is usually cut into cabochons and beads. Lapis lazuli has limited sustainability because its Mohs hardness is only 5-6. So, it is not normally used in rings, bracelets or cuff links.
The most demanded lapis in market is the one with deep blue to violet blue color and minimum amounts of golden and white specks.
Lapis lazuli is preferably used in small jewelry items like earrings, pins and pendants where the chance of abrasion is less than that in rings or bracelets. Jewelry usually set lapis lazuli in silver to create aesthetic pieces of jewelry.

Lapis lazuli is used in both masculine and feminine jewelry.