Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone that has been used for thousands of years for jewelry and decorative items. The intense blue color is due to the presence of the mineral lazurite, and it often contains small flecks of golden pyrite. It is usually found in compact masses, and is often mined in Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the United States.

In ancient Egypt, Lapis Lazuli was a highly valued stone, and was often used for amulets and inlay in jewelry and other decorative items. It was also used extensively in the Middle Ages for illuminated manuscripts and stained glass windows. Today, it is still used in jewelry and decorative items, as well as in lapidary work.

Lapis Lazuli is believed to have a number of metaphysical properties and is said to have a number of benefits when worn as jewelry or carried as a stone. Some of the benefits are:

1. Enhancing self-awareness and self-expression: Lapis Lazuli is believed to help with self-awareness and self-expression, allowing the wearer to speak their truth and communicate more effectively.

2. Enhancing intuition and psychic abilities: Lapis Lazuli is said to help enhance intuition and psychic abilities, making it a useful stone for those who work with divination or other psychic practices.

3. Enhancing creativity: Lapis Lazuli is believed to stimulate the mind and help with creativity, making it a useful stone for artists and writers.

4. Stress Relief: Many people believe that carrying or wearing Lapis Lazuli can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

5. Healing properties: Lapis Lazuli is also said to have healing properties and it is said to help with various physical and emotional issues.

Note that these benefits are largely based on traditional beliefs and should not be taken as medical advice. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns.

Lapis Lazuli has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and decorative items, so it has been worn by many people throughout history. Some famous historical figures who are known to have worn or used Lapis Lazuli include:

1. Cleopatra: The ancient Egyptian queen is said to have used Lapis Lazuli in her cosmetics and jewelry.

2. Tutankhamun: The famous Egyptian pharaoh's mask, which was made of solid gold and encrusted with precious stones, including Lapis Lazuli.

3. Queen Nefertiti: Another ancient Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, was known for her beauty and her use of Lapis Lazuli in her jewelry.

4. Medieval kings and queens: Lapis Lazuli was highly valued in the Middle Ages and was often used in the jewelry and regalia of kings and queens.

5. Renaissance artists: During the Renaissance, Lapis Lazuli was used in painting, sculpture, and decorative arts, and many famous artists of that period, such as Michaelangelo and Boticelli, used Lapis Lazuli in their works.

It is also commonly used in modern jewelry and fashion, so many celebrities and public figures likely have worn it.

There are several famous stories and myths that incorporate Lapis Lazuli. Here are a few examples:

1. In ancient Egyptian mythology, it is said that the god Thoth, the god of wisdom and patron of scribes, gave Lapis Lazuli to the goddess Isis to help her raise her son Horus.

2. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, it is said that the god Enki, the god of wisdom and creation, created Lapis Lazuli by mixing the blood of a god with clay.

3. In ancient Persian mythology, it is said that the god Ahura Mazda created the heavens and the earth from Lapis Lazuli.

4. In ancient Chinese mythology, it is said that Lapis Lazuli was the stone of heaven and was used by the gods to communicate with mortals.

5. In Christian tradition, Lapis Lazuli is associated with the Virgin Mary, and is said to symbolize her wisdom and purity.

These stories and myths are mostly based on traditional beliefs and are not considered as historical facts.

The finger on which a person chooses to wear a lapis lazuli ring can vary depending on personal preference, cultural and religious beliefs, and the intended meaning or symbolism of the ring.

However, traditionally, lapis lazuli rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand. This finger is associated with the planet Saturn and the element of Earth, and is said to have a grounding and stabilizing effect. Wearing a lapis lazuli ring on this finger is said to help bring wisdom, truth, and protection.

In some cultures, the ring finger of the left hand is also used to signify engagement and marriage, so if the ring is intended as a symbol of love or commitment, the left ring finger is a popular choice.

Ultimately, the choice of finger to wear the ring on is a personal one, and you should choose the finger that feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful and versatile stone that can be worn daily, but as with all gemstones, it is important to consider how the stone will be cared for and protected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing lapis lazuli on a daily basis:

1. Durability: Lapis Lazuli is relatively durable, but it can still be scratched or chipped if it is not handled with care. It is best to avoid wearing lapis lazuli rings or bracelets when doing activities that could cause damage to the stone.

2. Care: Lapis Lazuli is a porous stone and can be sensitive to chemicals and acids. It is best to avoid exposing lapis lazuli to lotions, perfumes, and other chemicals, and to clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.

3. Protection: Lapis Lazuli is sensitive to heat and light, so it is best to avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or exposing it to high temperatures.

4. Aesthetics: The deep blue color of Lapis Lazuli can fade over time if exposed to light, heat and chemicals, so it is best to store it in a dark place when not wearing it.

Overall, Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful stone that can be worn daily with the proper care and protection. However, if you're someone who is not used to wearing jewelry or if you're worried about damaging the stone, you might consider wearing it on special occasions or for shorter periods of time.

Lapis Lazuli is not considered a rare gemstone, but it is considered to be a semi-precious stone. It is found in several locations around the world, including Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the United States. The most sought-after lapis lazuli is from the Sar-e-Sang mine in Afghanistan, which has been producing the stone for more than 6,000 years.

The mines in Afghanistan have been the most productive and have yielded the highest quality lapis lazuli, with a deep blue color and few visible calcite veins. While there are other mines around the world that produce lapis lazuli, the quality and color of the stone is often not as rich and vibrant as that found in Afghanistan.

However, the scarcity of high-quality lapis lazuli can make it relatively expensive, especially if it is set in gold or silver and cut in a fine quality. In addition, the price of lapis lazuli is also affected by supply and demand, as well as the cost of mining and processing the stone.

Overall, lapis lazuli is not rare in terms of availability, but high-quality specimens can be relatively expensive due to the cost of mining and processing and the fact that it's highly valued by many people.  

The most desirable lapis lazuli has a deep, rich blue color. Lower quality lapis may have a more pale or grayish blue color.