Lapis Lazuli, The Stone For Truth & Communication

Lapis lazuli is one of our best selling gemstones and it's no surprise with its intense blue colouring and irresistible specks of shimmering pyrite! It makes us think of a starry night sky and with its strong colour, makes a perfect choice for statement jewellery designs.

In this post, we look at the many facts about this popular stone as well as sharing some inspiration for your handmade jewellery designs, including some beginner friendly designs you can easily create with little or no jewellery making experience.

This gem has been adored throughout history, used to create jewellery, ornamental pieces, as well as being used for cosmetics. It's even been used to make dyes such as the rich blue hue known as ultramarine used in paintings.

Formation: This ancient stone is made up of metamorphic rock, consisting of primarily three minerals of lazurite, calcite and pyrite.

Colour & appearance: The colour of lapis ranges from light blue, indigo, greyish blue to a highly saturated royal blue and is determined by the different minerals present in the stone. A lapis with white calcite or high amounts of pyrite visible is not considered as valuable as a lapis with an even, saturated blue. (Although we have to say we personally love pyrite specks!)

Rarity: Although not expensive, lapis with a uniform, deep blue colouring is considered rare.

Mohs Hardness Scale: Lapis measures 5-6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this makes it a soft stone which is something to keep in mind when using this stone for creating jewellery.

Sourced: Lapis is mined in various locations such as Chile, Russia, USA and Canada. Afghanistan is the largest producer of lapis and has been mining this gemstone for thousands of years.

Treatments: Lapis is often dyed to create a uniform colour, removing white calcite then treated with wax or oil to improve the surface and lustre of the stone.

Spiritual Meaning Of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is believed to be a stone to bring strength, courage, wisdom and truth. In history, this stone has even been worn with the belief that it will ward off evil!

It's also thought to be a stone of deep communication, bringing harmony, compassion and love to relationships - helping to create strong bonds with the people around you. For those wanting creativity in their life, this is also a great gem to improve confidence and promote self expression.

Watch how to make a simple lapis donut necklace

This beginner friendly design features our 30mm lapis donuts with our sterling silver flower donut bail, simply push the donut gently over the top of the holder to sit behind the flower design then attach your chosen necklet chain. A quick and easy way to create a piece of jewellery where you can wear lapis everyday and enjoy the many benefits this gem provides.

Resources

• Geology
• GIA
• Nammu