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Crystal meanings
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a rock made mostly of lazurite, with calcite and pyrite, usually deep blue with golden pyrite flecks. Mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years, lapis decorated the funeral mask of Tutankhamun and was ground into ultramarine pigment for Renaissance paintings. It is traditionally linked with wisdom and truth.
Key facts
| Colour | deep blue with golden pyrite flecks |
|---|---|
| What it is | a rock made mostly of lazurite, with calcite and pyrite |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5–5.5 |
| Typical sources | Afghanistan (the classic Badakhshan mines) and Chile |
| Chakra (tradition) | throat and third eye |
| Star signs (tradition) | Sagittarius and Libra |
Traditions and folklore
Mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years, lapis decorated the funeral mask of Tutankhamun and was ground into ultramarine pigment for Renaissance paintings. It is traditionally linked with wisdom and truth.
Afghan lapis is prized for its even royal blue and fine gold pyrite flecks.
Ultramarine paint made from lapis was once more expensive than gold.
Often paired with sodalite or clear quartz.
Care
Keep it dry: dust with a soft brush or dry cloth, and avoid water, salt and cleaning sprays.
Natural rock.
Shop lapis lazuli (6 pieces, 6 in stock)
Lapis Lazuli: questions answered
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is a rock made mostly of lazurite, with calcite and pyrite. It is usually deep blue with golden pyrite flecks.
What is Lapis Lazuli traditionally associated with?
Mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years, lapis decorated the funeral mask of Tutankhamun and was ground into ultramarine pigment for Renaissance paintings. It is traditionally linked with wisdom and truth. These are traditional and spiritual associations, not health claims.
How do I care for Lapis Lazuli?
Keep it dry: dust with a soft brush or dry cloth, and avoid water, salt and cleaning sprays.
Which star signs is Lapis Lazuli linked with?
In modern crystal tradition lapis lazuli is linked with Sagittarius and Libra.
Where does Lapis Lazuli come from?
It is typically sourced from Afghanistan (the classic Badakhshan mines) and Chile.