Lapis lazuli (additionally typically simply referred to as “lapis”) is a metamorphic rock greatest recognized for its wealthy darkish blue coloration. It additionally usually has stripes, flecks, or bands of gold operating all through. As crystal professional and co-founder of Energy Muse Jewelry Heather Askinosie tells mindbodygreen, lapis lazuli may be present in Afghanistan, Argentina, Chile, Italy, Russia, and the United States.
“This intense blue crystal has an infinite checklist of associations with legends, royalty, and deities from cultures everywhere in the world,” she explains. Most notably, Ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations adored lapis lazuli carvings, and it was usually floor right into a powder type and used to create eye shadow in historical Egypt, in accordance with Askinosie.
This stone was additionally historically utilized in burial ornaments in Neolithic civilizations due to its worth, rarity, and therapeutic properties, she notes.
And these days, it is nonetheless revered by crystal lovers everywhere in the world.