Read all about Lapis and different kinds of rocks and minerals here at the Stone Goddess.

Lapis Lazuli is a sodium calcium aluminum silicate. A member of the Sodalite group, it forms in metamorphic limestone and is composed of the minerals Lazurite, Calcite and Pyrite. This deep royal blue stone has been prized for centuries. The name "lazur " is Arabic for "blue" and "lazaward" means "toward heaven". The important ancient mines in Media, now Afghanistan, have been worked for over 5,000 years. The Badakhshan District of the Hindu Kusk Mountains borders Pakistan. In recent times, as before, donkeys loaded with precious Lapis travel down the mountains to Peshawar, Pakistan where it is sold. This fine Lapis seam runs north into Russia, but in only a few years this supply may be mined out. The ancient Sumerians valued Lapis above all stones. It was sacred to their goddesses Ereshkigal of the Underworld and Inanna, Goddess of the Heavens and Love. The Sumerians also paid tribute to Egypt with this stone as
The Egyptians also found Lapis to be a spiritual and noble stone. It is mentioned in the Gilgamesh Legend and in Egyptian Papyrus. Sacred to Isis, Lapis was also sacred to the Christian's Virgin Mary in later times. A stone of heaven, the blue with pyrite resembles the star filled night sky. Lapis was also the "Sapphire" of the ancient Greeks. It was one of the stones in the High Priest's Breastplate. Ultramarine Blue, the artist's pigment, is powered Lapis. Modern Lapis is from Afghanistan, Russia and the Chilean Andes.

Metaphysical Properties: A stone of Venus and the heavens, Lapis Lazuli awakens intuition and psychic awareness. Used as talismans for protection or empowered with a deity's energy, it is a powerful stone. In meditation it focuses the mind for insights and wisdom and clarity. It helps with understanding emotional issues and the release of these as one reaches a higher level of consciousness and spirituality. It may aid memory, concentration and creativity. A stone to access timeless wisdom, foresight and inner truths. It strengthens and shields the aura, and aids in astral travel, past life work and the study of ancient sacred texts. A stone of friendship and divine love.

Chakras: Throat and Brow.