PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - tectosilicates
- COMPOSITION Na3Ca(Al3Si3O12) S
- COLOR Various shades of intense blues
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Cubic
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Dodecahedral, when it crystallizes
- HARDNESS 5 - 5.5
- FRACTURE Uneven, brittle
- EXFOLIATION Indistinct
- GLOSS From matte to vitreous
- STRIP Intense blue
- TRANSPARENCY From translucent to opaque
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.4
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.5 average
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The lapis lazuli is a mineral with an intense blue color due to its content in lazurite. It is associated with white calcite and inclusions of pyrite, which gives it a mottled, golden appearance. The lapis lazuli is a stone that has always been valued for making jewelry and has a long and ancient tradition. Laspis lazuli objects have been found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Also in monuments, jewelry, decorative objects, utensils and as a pigment in works of art from different periods and cultures.
The name of lapis lazuli comes from the Latin "lapis", "stone", from the Persian "lazhuward", "blue", and from Arabic "lazaward", "paradise". It is normally found in compact masses and rarely in the form of implanted rhombododecahedrons.
Deposits: Afghanistan, Chile, United States, Russia, Argentina, Italy and Egypt.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The lapis lazuli is considered a stone of purification and self-knowledge. It favors introspection and mental and spiritual balance. It is usually associated with the 5th and 6th chakra. Power and balance communication, expression and intuition. Helps unblock tension and calm the mind. It is often used to release blockages from the past as it has the potential to get in touch with the subconscious.
