| Lapis lazuli is a very highly prized stone that is | | | | - Encourages effective communication |
| popular with crystal aficionados both for its | | | | - Associated with wisdom and insight |
| beauty and its powerful healing and metaphysical | | | | - Physically, lapis may help with throat-related |
| properties. We'll take a look at some of these in | | | | issues, as well as other neck problems |
| this article. | | | | - Lowers blood pressure |
| What Is Lapis Lazuli? | | | | - Helps deal with interpersonal conflicts |
| Lapis Lazuli - often known simply as 'lapis', is a | | | | - Promotes self-expression and honesty |
| vibrantly coloured blue rock that is composed of a | | | | - Is said to help with opening the third eye and |
| variety of different minerals, usually including | | | | promoting psychic development |
| sodalite, calcite and pyrite (the latter being visible | | | | - Provides protection against negative non-physical |
| as small gold-coloured flecks within the stone). | | | | influences |
| The presence of pyrite is used to verify that | | | | - Encourages creative flow and insights |
| specimens are genuine. The richest blue stones | | | | Using Lapis Lazuli |
| with the fewest inclusions are valued most highly, | | | | Like other crystals, lapis can be placed directly on |
| and today lower quality specimens are sometimes | | | | the relevant part of the body during crystal |
| dyed to improve their appearance. | | | | healing sessions or meditation. You could also |
| Lapis has been mined since ancient times in | | | | carry a small tumblestone, palmstone or |
| Afghanistan and elsewhere, and was heavily used | | | | thumbstone around with you, or wear lapis |
| by the ancient Egyptians and others. The name is | | | | jewellery, to get its benefits during the day too. |
| thought to be derived from the Persian word | | | | Use of lapis lazuli for healing is best carried out in |
| 'lazur', which means 'blue stone', although lapis is | | | | conjunction with any other treatment prescribed |
| not the only stone to have been called by this | | | | by your doctor, and crystals shouldn't be used as |
| name. It is used in architecture (on the outer | | | | a substitute for professional medical advice. |
| facades of buildings), as well as for making | | | | All crystals should be cleansed regularly, and this is |
| jewellery and ornaments - and of course for | | | | easily done by holding the stone under running |
| crystal healing too. | | | | water, then allowing it to absorb sunlight for |
| Metaphysical & Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli | | | | several hours, to recharge its energy. Some |
| This stone has various attributes which are valued | | | | people also cleanse their stones by placing them in |
| by people interested in crystal use for healing and | | | | sand, rather than water. |
| self-development. These include: | | | | |