Lapis Lazuli with its deep azure blue colour and often flecked with golden pyrite inclusions, was treasured by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians and often worn by royalty. Lapis lazuli was widely used by Egyptians for cosmetics and painting.

Source & Mining within Chile. In the Americas, the Incas, Molles, Diaguitas and other pre-Columbian cultures have, for over 2000 years, used lapis lazuli to ornament masks and other artifacts.

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In many cultures, lapis lazuli was regarded as a holy stone. Particularly in the Middle East it was thought to have magical powers. Countless signet rings, scarabs and figures were wrought from the blue stone in Egypt, which Alexander the Great brought to Europe.

Lapis Lazuli inlay process for Jewellery. Lapis Lazuli is one of my favourite stones to work with because it is so beautiful while, at the same time, so challenging. What I have found with this stone is that the more Pyrite the Lapis contains, the more vulnerable it is to fractures.

Lapis lazuli is characteristically recognized by its distinctive blue colour (due to the Lazurite). It yields H²S gas (rotten egg smell) when exposed to HCl. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed mainly of the following minerals:

Ground lapis lazuli ready for extraction For extraction, Venice Turps, Mastic Gum and Beeswax Pellets are weighed out into a stainless steel pan and mixed whilst the pan is on a hot plate, until mixture is fully combined and of a smooth consistency.

Due to its vibrant colours, relative softness and the fact that it takes an excellent polish, Lapis lends itself well for decorative purposes. Traditionally it is made into jewellery, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments and vases.

Lapis stimulates the thyroid and harmonizes its functions. The secondary effect of Lapis is upon the kidneys, helping with elimination of toxins and reducing high blood pressure. Lapis Lazuli has a profound effect on female hormonal balance.

Lapis Lazuli. History & Legends; Source & Mining in Chile; Uses of Lapis Lazuli; Working with Lapis; Extracting Ultramarine; Caring for Lapis Lazuli; Scientific Properties; Metaphysical properties