Crystal guide

Lapis lazuli: meaning, uses and who it suits

Lapis lazuli is the deep blue stone with gold flecks that has been traded from Afghanistan for thousands of years. In Hindi and Urdu it is called lajvard. This page explains what it is, what it is traditionally linked with, how people wear it and how to spot the many dyed imitations.

Lapis lazuli at a glance

Hindi name	लाजवर्द
Mineral	A rock, mainly the blue mineral lazurite with calcite and pyrite
Colour	Deep royal blue with gold pyrite flecks and white calcite veins
Hardness (Mohs)	5 to 5.5 (softer where calcite shows)
Where it is found	Afghanistan (Badakhshan, mined for over 6,000 years), Chile and Russia (near Lake Baikal)
Commonly paired with	Saturn (number 8)

A note before you buy

Crystals are part of a tradition of intention and reflection. They are not a substitute for medical care, and they cannot promise money, love or luck. For any health concern, please see a doctor.

What lapis lazuli is

Lapis lazuli is not a single mineral but a rock. Its blue comes from lazurite, the gold specks are pyrite and the white patches are calcite. The finest pieces are an even, deep blue with a few gold flecks. Because it is a fairly soft rock, it scratches more easily than quartz and is sensitive to acids, heat and long soaking.

What lapis lazuli is traditionally linked with

In crystal practice lapis lazuli is traditionally linked with truth, clear speech and learning.
Many people keep it on a study or work desk, or wear it as a pendant or bead bracelet.
In numerology and astrology circles it is often suggested as a crystal choice; the pairing from this site’s data is shown below.

Numbers and planets it is paired with

These pairings come from the same data as the gemstone calculator: each number from 1 to 9 has a planet, a ratna, its upratna (substitutes) and crystal choices. The Lo Shu direction of the number is where some people place the crystal when that number is missing from their Lo Shu grid.

Number	Planet	Listed as	Ratna of the planet	Lo Shu direction
8	Saturn	Crystal	Blue Sapphire	North-East

Find your Mulank and Bhagyank with the gemstone calculator

How lapis lazuli is commonly worn or placed

Pendants and bead bracelets are the most common; rings and bangles get scratched more easily.
A polished stone or sphere is kept on a study or work desk.
Take it off before bathing, swimming or cleaning with chemicals.

Vastu guides for where it is kept

Care and cleansing of lapis lazuli

Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry at once. Do not soak it.
Keep it away from acids, perfume, hair spray and ultrasonic cleaners.
Store it on its own; harder stones will scratch it.
Many people like to “cleanse” a crystal from time to time; plain morning light for a short while or resting it on a dry shelf suits almost every stone. Ask about yours before using water, salt or strong sun.

Real lapis lazuli: natural, treated, dyed or fake

Much lapis on the market is dyed to hide white calcite and then waxed. Rub a hidden spot with a cotton bud dipped in a little nail polish remover: blue on the cotton means dye.
Dyed howlite and dyed jasper (sold as “Swiss lapis”) are common imitations; they lack the pyrite flecks or show white grains under the blue.
Even, flawless blue with neat gold flecks may be a manmade imitation (the Gilson type); a gem laboratory can tell.
Many white patches lower the grade but are a sign of natural stone.

For a costly piece, ask for a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. It names the material and any treatment.

Tools and guides

Other crystals

Questions about lapis lazuli

Which number and planet is lapis lazuli paired with?

In our numerology data lapis lazuli is paired with Saturn (number 8). Treat this as a starting point: your full set of numbers and your question matter too.

What are the gold flecks in lapis lazuli?

They are tiny grains of pyrite, the mineral also called fool’s gold. A few gold flecks are prized; too many lower the grade.

Can lapis lazuli get wet?

A quick wipe is fine, but do not soak it or bathe with it on. It is a fairly soft rock and water, soaps and acids can dull it.

Is lapis lazuli the same as neelam?

No. Neelam is blue sapphire, a far harder corundum gem. Lapis lazuli is a blue rock and is used as a crystal, not as a ratna.

Can lapis lazuli replace medical care?

No. Crystals are part of a tradition of intention and reflection, not medicine. Please keep following your doctor’s advice for any health concern.