Lapis lazuli: meaning, origin and how to wear it
Where does lapis lazuli come from, what is it believed to have, how to recognize a genuine stone and wear it every day.
Traditionally, lapis lazuli is associated with wisdom, truth, and self-expression. This deep blue stone, often flecked with gold, has been used in jewelry and painting since antiquity. Here is what you need to know about its origin, symbolism, how to identify genuine lapis lazuli, and how to wear it every day.
The essentials at a glance
Lapis lazuli is a rock composed mainly of lazurite (the blue), with calcite (the white veins) and pyrite (the gold flecks). It is associated with wisdom, communication, and creativity; these meanings are based on belief and have no medical value. Relatively soft, it should be protected from impacts, prolonged exposure to water, and cosmetics.
What is lapis lazuli?
Unlike many semi-precious stones, lapis lazuli is not a single mineral but a rock, meaning it is a combination of several minerals:
- lazurite, which gives it its intense blue color;
- calcite, visible as white veins or patches;
- pyrite, which forms the small, characteristic gold flecks.
Its hardness is around 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, compared to 7 for quartz: it is a stone that can be scratched and requires a little care.
Where does lapis lazuli come from?
Its name combines the Latin lapis, meaning "stone", and a word of Persian origin that means blue, from the same family as our word "azure". The most famous deposits are found in the Badakhshan region of Afghanistan, which has been mined for thousands of years. It is also mined in Chile and Russia.
In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli adorned jewelry and funerary objects, including Tutankhamun's mask. Ground into powder, it produced ultramarine blue, one of the most precious pigments in European painting, reserved for a long time for the most important works.
What is the meaning of lapis lazuli?
In crystal healing, lapis lazuli is attributed several symbolic virtues:
- wisdom and truth;
- communication: it is associated with the throat chakra and speaking one's truth;
- creativity, courage, and self-confidence.
These meanings are based on tradition and belief; they have no medical value. They can, however, guide the choice of a piece of jewelry to give as a gift, like a little message. To compare it with the other stones in our collections, see our guide on the meaning of natural stones.
How to identify genuine lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is often imitated. A few clues can help you tell the difference:
- A deep, slightly irregular blue: a perfectly uniform color with no variation should make you suspicious.
- Gold pyrite flecks: they are typical of lapis lazuli, in varying amounts.
- White calcite veins, subtle on high-quality stones.
- Common imitations: sodalite, which has a cooler blue and is often without pyrite, as well as blue-dyed jasper or howlite.
How to wear lapis lazuli?
Its midnight blue pairs particularly well with gold: the contrast makes the stone stand out. It is easy to wear every day, as a subtle accent.
| What to wear it with | Why it works |
|---|---|
| White, ecru, beige | The blue stands out vividly, creating a fresh and luminous effect |
| Denim, Breton stripes | A tonal blue look, very natural |
| Camel, chocolate | A warm and cool contrast, elegant in winter |
| Black, anthracite grey | The blue and gold add light |
As a necklace
Augustine Lapis Lazuli Necklace, Bamàs
A gold-plated 316L stainless steel pendant and lapis lazuli stones, on a 38 cm chain + 5 cm extender chain. €35.90, rated 4.9/5 from 42 reviews.
Discover the Augustine necklace
Anouk Lapis Lazuli Necklace, Bamàs
A small 7 mm lapis lazuli drop on a 39 cm chain + 5 cm extender: the most discreet way to wear this stone. €32.90.
Discover the Anouk necklaceAs a bracelet
Anouk Lapis Lazuli Bracelet, Bamàs
Three fine chains and a lapis lazuli drop, 15.5 cm + 3 cm extender chain. Also available in labradorite. €34.90, rated 4.75/5 from 12 reviews.
Discover the Anouk bracelet
Suzanne Lapis Lazuli Bracelet, Bamàs
An oval lapis lazuli stone on a gold double chain, 15.5 cm + 2.5 cm extender chain. €34.90.
Discover the Suzanne braceletAs a ring
Philippine Lapis Lazuli Ring, Bamàs
An 18 mm wide triple-row ring with lapis lazuli: a statement piece. Adjustable, like all our rings. €30.90.
Discover the Philippine ringOur advice: pair a single piece of lapis lazuli with gold jewelry without stones. The blue is bold enough to be the focal point; next to another colored stone, it loses its intensity.
How to care for lapis lazuli jewelry?
- Do not soak: the metal of our jewelry is water-resistant, but the stone is porous. Wipe it after contact with water.
- Avoid products: perfume, creams, hand sanitizer, and household products can dull its surface.
- A soft, dry cloth is all you need to restore its shine.
- Store separately, in its linen pouch, to prevent a harder stone from scratching it.
All the best practices are detailed in our article on caring for gold-plated jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
Who can wear lapis lazuli?
Everyone. There are no rules for wearing it: choose it for its color, or for the symbolism of wisdom and communication it is associated with.
Can you wear lapis lazuli every day?
Yes, by taking a few precautions: avoid impacts, remove it for exercise or housework, and do not let it soak.
Why does my lapis lazuli have gold flecks?
These are pyrite inclusions, a naturally golden mineral. They are part of the stone and contribute to its charm: every lapis lazuli has more or less.
What stones to pair lapis lazuli with?
With neutral stones that let it shine: mother-of-pearl, white agate, or rock crystal. Rose quartz creates a softer contrast, to be tried with fine jewelry.
Who are we?
Bamàs is a Parisian fine jewelry brand created in 2018 by Victoire. Our jewelry is designed in Paris and made in our partner workshops, in gold-plated 316L stainless steel and natural stones, to be worn every day.
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