Lapis lazuli is one of the most versatile crystals out there. This stunning crystal is widely used in jewelry making thanks to its striking aesthetic. Many people also use lapis lazuli thanks to its calming properties.
This stone is also famous thanks to its distinctive appearance. This blue crystal has a luxurious appearance, especially when it features flecks of gold. This guide will help you to better identify lapis lazuli.
What Does Lapis Lazuli Look Like?
Lapis lazuli is renowned for its vibrant blue hue. The exact shade can vary between midnight, indigo, and royal blue. It can also be tainted with shades of green and purple.
The most coveted forms of lapis lazuli will also contain flecks of golden pyrite. These golden elements are incredibly eye-catching because they are contrasted with the blue of the crystal. These flecks are small and will be inconsistently splattered across the crystal.
These flecks can either increase or decrease the value of lapis lazuli depending on the preference.
Generally, lapis lazuli which has developed a greenish hue will be less valuable than a stone with a stronger blue color. This greener hue is thanks to the presence of pyrite.
Lapis lazuli may also feature white streaks. These white streaks are caused by calcite. Their appearance is comparable to veins.
The appearance of lapis lazuli will also differ depending on where it is found. The main varieties of this crystal will include:
- Chilean lapis lazuli: the Chilean version of this stone tends to be spotted and has a greenish hue.
- Afghan or Persian lapis lazuli: this variety of stone tends to have purple undertones. It is less likely to contain calcite and pyrite.
- Siberian or Russian lapis lazuli: this crystal is known for its deep blue colors. They frequently contain calcite streaks.
How Can You Spot Fake Lapis Lazuli?
Sadly, lapis lazuli has become a widely faked crystal. As a result, buyers will need to learn to differentiate between legitimate stones and fake varieties. These fake versions of lapis lazuli look just like the real deal (to learn more about discerning whether lapis lazuli is real, read here). They have a similarly deep royal blue color.
A synthetic version of lapis lazuli will be a little more opaque than genuine crystals. Moreover, a real lapis lazuli will have more of an ultramarine tone.
Aside from investigating the appearance of the lapis lazuli, there are a few tests that you can use to determine its legitimacy. For instance, lapis lazuli will feel cold when you touch it. Meanwhile, synthetic varieties will warm up in your hands.
Sodalite is not as valuable as lapis lazuli, though it can be sold as this crystal because they share a similar hue.
To avoid buying fake lapis lazuli, it is recommended that you source it from a reliable supplier. If a price seems too good, the likelihood is that you may be investing in fake lapis lazuli.
What Is The Meaning Of Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli has been culturally significant for a considerable time. In Ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was widely used to make extravagant ornaments.
As a result, lapis lazuli has developed an important symbolic significance. Over the centuries, it has been linked to qualities such as:
- Wisdom
- Clarity
- Intelligence
- Harmony
- Truth
- Royalty
- Creativity
- Courage
- Intuition
Thanks to these associations, lapis lazuli has been linked to enlightenment. It can be used to broaden a person’s mind. Lapis lazuli can limit stress and boost a person’s feeling of peacefulness.
It can help an individual feel serene. It can also be utilized to connect a person to their emotions.
It is also said to defend people from negative energies. Therefore, lapis lazuli can be used to increase your positive energies.
At some points in history, lapis lazuli has also been considered the birthstone of December. Though turquoise and tanzanite and more intimately linked with this month, you may nonetheless feel a strong connection with lapis lazuli if you were born in December.
How Can Lapis Lazuli Be Used?
Adding lapis lazuli to your home is an incredible idea. You can repel negativity by adding the crystal to your home, allowing you to create a more positive living environment.
It is advised that you place the crystal near your bed, as it can improve your sleep and encourage you to have peaceful dreams.
It is particularly outstanding to add lapis lazuli to your office. This is because lapis lazuli will help you to feel wiser. Moreover, it can enhance your communication, which will help you to more effectively communicate with your colleagues.
Lapis lazuli can also be used in the form of jewelry. The crystal will not only look stunning, but you can also experience the benefits of lapis lazuli by wearing it.
Wearing the stone is a great way of tapping into the emotional properties of the stone. By wearing it, you could become a more wise individual.
You can also tap into the healing properties of lapis lazuli by wearing it. This will allow your body to feel the vibrations of the crystal. It can contribute to physical and emotional healing.
Further reading: Can you handle lapis lazuli?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, lapis lazuli can be a highly valuable stone thanks to its high desirability and rarity.
The color of the lapis lazuli can affect its value. This is because certain colors are more desirable than others thanks to the more appealing aesthetic. Generally, versions of the crystals with a deep ultramarine hue will be worth more money.
As mentioned, sodalite is regularly passed off as genuine lapis lazuli since they are both blue crystals. Generally, lapis lazuli has an opaque appearance while sodalite tends to be more translucent.
Final Thoughts
Lapis lazuli is a great stone to use for meditation and relaxation. It makes a great addition to your jewelry thanks to its beautiful appearance. Lapis lazuli is a gorgeous crystal that looks incredibly luxurious thanks to the addition of golden flecks.
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