Lazurite is classified as a complex silicate mineral group in the tectosilicate class. It is the main constituent of a massive rock called Lapis Lazuli the other major components being pyrite and calcite. It has been mined for thousands of years, with the oldest sites being in a remote mountain location in Afghanistan called the Kokcha River Valley. In the ancient world it was prized for jewelry and other ornamental purposes, and in Europe it was the main pigment for ultramarine paints. These days it is still an expensive mineral, and well formed crystal specimens with good color are very valuable. It has a dull to greasy luster and a bright blue streak.
(Na,Ca)8(Al,Si)12O24(S,SO)4 |
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Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, Italy, and USA |
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"This stone is used in rituals designed to attract spiritual love. Take an untumbled piece of lapis with a sharp edge. Empower the stone and a pink candle with your need for love. Then, using the lazurite, carve a heart onto the candle. Place the stone near the candleholder and burn the candle while visualizing a love coming into your life." Actually, the most important magical aspect of lapis is it's ability to strengthen psychic awareness.
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Lapiz Lazuli was widely used as an ornamental stone in Greece and Rome, and was an important magickal stone in ancient Babylonia, Assyria, and Egypt. Carved into bird and animal forms and made into jewelry, lapis was intended to protect the wearer from harm. Lapis was also fashioned into the shape of a heart, the Egyptian symbol for the "seat of life", as they beleived that the stone could bring about resurrection following death. The Egyptian Book of the Dead shows a powerful lapis amulet in the form of an eye, most likely to ward against evil. Lazurite was a favorite stone of the ancient Egyptians. In the past Lazurite has been burned and ground to form the pigment "ultramarine." It was consider an aid to childbirth, and has long been associated with altered states of consciousness and trance work. Lapis is sometimes designated as a birthstone for December, although turquoise is most common. |
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Lapis can keep the eyes healthy and the vision clear. Prepare an eyewash by placing lapis in a bowl of purified water overnight along with several drops of the herb eyebright. In the morning, splash the treated water into your eyes. Lapis increases the psychic senses, as it works to fine tune the feelings and instincts. Deep azure blue, pyrite streaked stones are potent healing medicine when worn with purposeful intent, and may help the wearer to develop clairsentient and telepathic powers. Vedic healers suggest that lapis be set into a gold necklace for optimum benefits. |