Lapis lazuli is a unique blue opaque mineral whose alternative name is a sky stone. By the way, translated from Persian, lapis lazuli is blue. If you look at the stone under the sun's rays, then you can see pale blue stripes on its surface, while artificial lighting does not allow the stone to emit a cold shine, presented to it by nature.
The heavenly stone was stored for many years in the bowels of the Earth, for the first time it was discovered by ancient geologists, and they did it completely by accident. The name of the stone comes from the Persian language, since it is on the territory of Persia that this mineral was discovered. It is worth noting that no one was allowed into the mines where it was mined, moreover, they could even kill the one who approached, regardless of his status. The only one who could become the owner of the most precious stone at that time in the world is the Great Emir.
Much later, the mineral began to be used differently - with the powder of the stone, the high priests painted their clothes, changing the shade of blue depending on the light. Also in ancient Egypt, the pharaohs used lapis lazuli for household items and jewelry. The emperors of China decorated their hats with balls from this mineral, symbolizing that they were sent from the sky.
In the Middle Ages, the European rich people also painted their clothes with powder of this mineral, and later they began to use it for the production of a paint called ultramarine. In Russia, the stone became known only at the end of the 18th century, although it was found here before. However, here the mineral is of low quality, since there are inclusions of calcite on its surface.
Modern mining and fake lapis lazuli
Until the beginning of the 19th century, stone was mined in only one place. The Badakhshan deposit is the most ancient, but the extraction is carried out here until today. It is here that the highest quality, pure and expensive mineral in the world is found. The value of this stone is increased by the golden inclusions of pyrite, due to which the surface of the mineral resembles a starry sky.
At the moment there are many deposits of stone scattered around the planet, however, there is no such high quality anywhere. Pamir lapis lazuli (Tajikistan) is the closest in its properties, however, it includes in the composition of the admixture of diopside and dolomite, significantly reducing its cost. As for the other deposits, the quality is even worse there, so the price of lapis lazuli is small.
For the first time began to forge lapis lazuli not in Thailand and not in China, but in Ancient Egypt. It was here that they began to use glazes and glass, replacing the heavenly stone. Nowadays, fakes can be found even in expensive jewelry stores, so you need to make sure of the authenticity of the stone. The most similar mineral - sodalite, is also now engaged in the production of synthetic stone, which is grown artificially. Low-quality gold is used as pyrite inclusions.
Another type of fake - lapis lazuli. In fact, there is lapis lazuli in the composition of this breed, but the amount of impurities here is simply rolls over. The composition of lapis lazuli includes mica, but dyes hide the imperfections of the stone. Swiss lapis - jasper or chalcedony soaked in blue paint. To determine the authenticity of the stone, laboratory spectral analysis should be performed. It is worth noting that only natural lapis lazuli has healing and magical properties.
Types, colors and scope of lapis lazuli
In fact, lapis lazuli can have not only blue color, but all its shades. Moreover, there are stones that have a light turquoise or dark purple hue, but they also belong to this mineral, which is confirmed by laboratory. Special value distinguished stones with indigo or dark blue color without unnecessary inclusions. However, if you encounter a stone with pyrite inclusions, which gleam with silver or gold, and its color is closer to violet - then this is a unique gem, having such a high value that it can be considered priceless.
There is a kind of lapis lazuli of white color sprinkled with blue stripes. This stone, though beautiful in appearance, is of no value, as it refers to ornamental stones. The cheapest mineral is furc, having a blue-green tint. A little more expensive - Asmani, which has the classic color of lapis lazuli. Niili is the most expensive stone of the highest grade, as it has indigo color.
Light purple or bright blue lapis lazuli is used by jewelers to create jewelry. Stone is also used by sculptors. For jewelers, the main thing is not color, but the type of stone - they have it. 4. You can find historical monuments with this stone if you visit the Louvre or the Hermitage. The most unique items created from lapis lazuli are the columns of the golden-headed Isaac and the bottom of the table "Sea bottom".
Healing properties of lapis lazuli
Since ancient times, healers have used lapis lazuli powder to cleanse the human body of poisons and parasites.If a person had wasting, then it was necessary to wear jewelry with this stone, contributing to weight gain. Also, the mineral was advised to use the owners of the harem, as it has a positive effect on sexual function and the ability to create offspring. Pregnant women were required to wear lapis lazuli beads to prevent miscarriage, and the child was born healthy.
In the modern world, lithotherapists recommend a stone to those who have vision problems, as it heals diseases and returns sight to those who have completely lost it. To regain sight it is enough to look at a stone for 5-7 minutes several times a day. If you wear jewelry with lapis lazuli on your head, your hair will become stronger and thicker, and baldness will not threaten at all. Lapis lazuli necklaces saved from insomnia, neurosis, hypertension, fears and nightmares.
If a person has bronchial asthma or radiculitis, then wearing a stone in silver will ease the pain and allow you to forget about the disease. It is also recommended to wear the mineral and for prevention, as it strengthens the body. Lapis lazuli can heal internal and external ulcers, relieve respiratory diseases, including allergies. Also, the mineral cleans the blood and accelerates the healing of wounds.
The magical properties of lapis lazuli
Since ancient times, it is believed that lapis lazuli is a stone of white magicians, as it symbolizes kindness and purity. In the Middle Ages, stone was given only to those to whom the brightest feelings were shown, therefore not everyone could receive such a gift. The stone is able to clear the aura, to fill the person with light energy and pure thoughts. A stone in a frame of silver will become a real talisman for its owner, protect it from negative energy, damage and the evil eye. Also, lapis lazuli will allow you to make the right and wise decisions that will provide an opportunity to achieve unprecedented heights.
If a person wants to radically change his life, then you need to buy a bracelet or beads with lapis lazuli. The stone will help in any undertaking and will lead to success. If the mineral is in a gold frame, then it will give its owner luck, success and love.
It is worth noting that even lapis lazuli has magical power, which includes lapis lazuli in small quantities. This stone will allow women to make new friends, and will help men in their career and on a personal front. As for the signs of the zodiac, lapis lazuli can be used by everyone except Capricorn. It is best combined with the mineral Aquarius and Libra, Aries and Fish.
