Lapis lazuli earrings

Lapis Lazuli, Stone of Heaven Lapis Lazuli is a gemstone analogized to the fairy tales of the Arabian Nights. It is deepest blue with golden shining Pyrite inclusions twinkle like little stars in the midnight heaven. A rock composed of a mixture of minerals, mostly Lazurite, but also includes calcite and pyrite, can be found in Afghanistan, Russia, Chile, U.S and Baffin Islands (Canada). Its color ranges from azure to deep blue. Rarely purplish or greenish blue. Formation of the rocks are cubic (isotropic) with a luster vitreous, waxy or dull Lapis lazuli has a opaque light transmission, its hardness is 5.5 in the Mohs scale. All About Lapis Lazuli Lapis Lazuli has been a highly valued stone for many thousands of years. Lapis Lazuli is known for its blue color. The first part of the name is the Latin Lapis, meaning stone. The word "lazuli" comes from the Persian/Arabic lazhward or blue (as in "azure"). Together the name means "blue stone" or stone of azure. Lapis Lazuli is a poly-mineral rock composed mainly of the blue silicate mineral lazurite along with gold colored pyrite (fool's gold) and whitish calcite. Lapis Lazuli is formed through contact metamorphism of particular forms of limestone, mainly the blue lazurite. The beautiful blue of the lazurite occurs due a charge transfer between sulfer atoms contained in the rock. Lapis Lazuli is rare and only found in only a few places including Chile, Baffin Islands, United States, Siberia, and Afghanistan, where it occurs in large deposits. The best quality material contains less calcite and pyrite. An opaque stone, Lapis Lazuli takes a beautiful polish. It has always been fashioned as beads and cabochons, carved into exquisite articles of ornament, or used in inlays and mosaics. First mined in the remote Kokcha Valley of Badakhshan, Afghanistan THOUSANDS of years ago. These mines still produce the best quality of Lapis Lazuli. The stone was exported to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, and Sumer where it was used as ornamental stone and in jewelry. It was later traded throughout the East and into Europe. Healing with Lapis Lazuli Chakras - Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra Birthstone - September Zodiac - Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius Element - Water Vibration - Number 3 Lapis Lazuli is a stone of peace. It it said to bring calm and centering to fearful emotions. It enhances psychic abilities and communication with ones spirit guides and the "Higher Self", it enhances creative expression, especially verbally and through words in general, a good, inspiring stone for authors who may be suffering from writers block. Lapis Lazuli is said to work well as a bridge into other dimensions if used during meditation. Lapis encourages openness and honesty. It is said to strengthen the body and mind as well as increasing awareness and encouraging evolution of the spirit. It can be helpful if you are disorganized and need a little focus. Lapis also helps to build self-confidence. Lapis brings spiritual love and is a lovely stone to have around encouraging and enhancing love and fidelity within marriage. It is associated with communication and spiritual connection, the throat and brow chakras. It has been said that it can can help you say just the right thing if you are someone who often has foot in mouth disease! Lapis is a protective stone, both psychically and physically. Very good to carry if you work in a threatening environment. It is also said to help people suffering with vertigo.