**Lapis Lazuli – The Ancient Sacred Stone**
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**A Long History**
Lapis Lazuli is a sky‑blue gemstone, often with small golden or white flecks. Its English name comes from the Latin and Persian words meaning "blue stone." Lapis has been mined for over 6,000–7,000 years and has been found in various ancient civilisations. In ancient Egypt, it was regarded as a "sacred stone" and held extremely high value and status. The quality and price of lapis lazuli vary slightly depending on its origin.
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**The Sacred Stone of Antiquity**
In many ancient civilisations, lapis lazuli was used by royalty and in rituals. Egyptian royalty even ground it into powder to use as eyeshadow, to display their high status. Besides lapis jewellery found in pre‑dynastic Egyptian sites, lapis beads have also been discovered in Neolithic burial sites in the Caucasus Mountains. Some scholars believe that lapis lazuli was documented in China as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty. Because its colour "resembled the heavens," it was treasured by successive dynasties. In Buddhism, lapis lazuli represents the威严 (majesty) of the Buddha; it is known as *Vaidurya* or *Biluo li* and is counted among the seven treasures of Buddhism.
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**Benefits of Lapis Lazuli**
**Aids Meditation**
Lapis Lazuli corresponds to the Third Eye Chakra. Placing it on the forehead enhances energy and concentration, helping you enter deeper states of thought during meditation.
**Increases Insight and Attention**
For those who struggle with attention, wearing lapis jewellery helps clarify thoughts and dispel confusion.
**Relieves Anxiety**
When the mind is overloaded with thoughts, it can lead to worry, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or headaches. Lapis helps calm the mind, sort out problems, and dissolve fixations.
**Stimulates Thyroid Function and Boosts Metabolism**
Corresponding to the Throat Chakra, lapis stimulates the thyroid gland. Its unique mineral composition and trace elements accelerate metabolism, benefiting the skin and the metabolic/circulatory systems.
**Soothes Eye and Respiratory Issues**
Because it resonates with the Throat and Third Eye Chakras, lapis also helps relieve eye pressure, eye fatigue, sore throats, and respiratory or bronchial discomfort.
**Dispels Evil and Transforms Luck**
Lapis Lazuli has been widely used across many religions throughout history. As one of the Buddhist seven treasures, it is considered an incarnation of the Medicine Buddha, capable of driving away evil energies and turning fortune around. It is often used for religious items such as ritual tools, statues, and prayer beads.
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**How to Wear It**
Following the "left in, right out" principle, lapis lazuli should be worn on the **left hand** to allow energy to flow smoothly into the body.
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**Care Instructions**
**Avoid hard impacts**
If you are doing physical activities or moving objects, remove your lapis to prevent accidental knocks that could damage its structure.
**Avoid contact with sweat and chemicals**
Long‑term exposure to sweat can harm the crystal's structure. Also avoid contact with acidic or alkaline chemicals. Remove it when swimming, soaking in hot springs, or exercising.
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**Cleansing Methods**
Lapis lazuli can be cleansed using a white quartz cluster or a Herkimer diamond.
For best results, place it near a Herkimer diamond or white quartz cluster every night before bed.