Search: 529 results found for "lapis lazuli"

Lapis Lazuli Egg | 1.1kg | Madani, Afghanistan

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£125.00

Lapis Lazuli Tumblestones Large 20-30 mm Tumblestones Tali & Loz Crystals

Lapis Lazuli Tumblestones | Large 20-30mm | Afghanistan

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£7.50

Lapis Lazuli Shiva | 6.5cm | Afghanistan

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£45.00

Lapis Lazuli Egg | 0.6kg | Madani, Afghanistan

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£95.00

Lapis Lazuli Spheres | 20mm | Afghanistan

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£9.50

Lapis Lazuli Cabochon | 1.1cm | Afghanistan

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£15.00

Lapis Lazuli Cabochon | 2.4cm | Afghanistan

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£14.00

Lapis Lazuli Eggs | 4.5cm | India

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£14.00

Throat Chakra Crystal Kit

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£10.00

Virgo Zodiac Crystal Set

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£12.00

VIRGO Crystals Zodiac Sets

Dates: August 23 - Sep 22

This Virgo Zodiac Set has been thoughtfully selected to enhance and improve the energy of Virgos. It includes a combination of nurturing and protective vibrational stones that will bring healing, clarity and peace of mind to the individual.

A great gift idea for the Virgo in your life that always goes above and beyond to be a trusted friend!

Click here for the Virgo Crystal Candle.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a Virgo’s gentle reminder to stock up on positive vibes and prioritize self-care so you can be the loyal friend and true confidante that everyone knows and loves.

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz brings light, joy and good health and is commonly known as the "Master Healer". A symbol of purity, wisdom and support, this crystal complements the maiden sign and promotes tranquillity and serenity.

Mookaite

The earthy, calming tones of Mookaite provide a warm blanket of support and protection. During times of high stress, this is an excellent stone to keep nearby that will keep you focused and disciplined on your objectives without giving in to the stress.

Amethyst

The curious and detailed nature of Virgo requires deep self-reflection to interpret the truth within themselves and others. Amethyst promotes a balanced mindset and will calm the mind with its gentle energy.

Tree Agate

The perfectionist side of Virgo can often derail even the most carefully thought out plans. Tree Agate brings the focus back to the core, allowing you to ground yourself and be nourished.

Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated Quartz will cleanse and balance your chakras and will help overcome past wounds. A great manifestation stone, meditating with this crystal will help you set clear goals and visualize your thoughts with some help from the universe.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli provides support, healing and protection from negativity. Virgo can definitely benefit from this nurturing stone, that promotes compassion, empathy and understanding towards yourself and others.

Click here for crystals for Virgo Sign.

Labradorite Hearts 2x2.5cm - Tali & Loz Crystals

Labradorite Hearts | 2.5x2.5cm | Madagascar

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£4.50

Description Cards G-O

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£1.50

Labradorite Chip Bottles 10ml

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£6.50

Personalised Crystal Mystery Sets

(2)

£10.00

Labradorite Hearts | Large 3.5x3cm | Madagascar

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£5.00

Labradorite Hearts | Large 3.5x3cm | Light Base | Madagascar

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£5.00

Labradorite Freeform, 133g | Madagascar | Sold as Seen

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£21.00

Labradorite Tumblestones 20-30mm

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£4.00

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Lapis Lazuli: The Blue That Was Worth More Than Gold for Three Centuries

What is Lapis Lazuli? Mineral Group: Silicate | Category: Metamorphic Rock containing Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite | Formula: (Na,Ca)₈[(S,Cl,SO₄,OH)₂|(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)] | Hardness: 5 – 5.5 (Mohs) Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest and most culturally significant gemstone materials in human history, valued for its intense, saturated blue coloration across more than six thousand years of continuous use. It is not a single mineral but a metamorphic rock, a naturally occurring aggregate of several minerals whose combination produces the characteristic deep blue appearance. The primary colour-giving component is Lazurite, a blue sulphur-bearing feldspathoid mineral. This is typically accompanied by white Calcite, which produces the pale veining and patches visible in most specimens, and by Pyrite, whose gold-coloured metallic flecks contrast against the blue matrix and are one of the most immediately recognisable features of the material. The distinction between Lapis Lazuli as a rock and Lazurite as the mineral within it is worth understanding clearly. When mineralogists refer to the chemical formula and crystal properties of Lapis Lazuli they are primarily describing Lazurite, the dominant mineral component. But what is sold, collected, and historically used as Lapis Lazuli is the rock as a whole, including all its mineral constituents, and the visual character of any given specimen is determined by the relative proportions and distribution of all three main components. The name combines the Latin lapis, meaning stone, and the Persian lazhuward, meaning blue, the same Persian root that gives us the word azure and that connects Lapis Lazuli linguistically to Azurite, another intensely blue mineral valued across antiquity. Formation and Geological Context Lapis Lazuli forms through contact metamorphism, the transformation of existing rock driven by heat from an igneous intrusion rather than by the large-scale tectonic pressures that produce regional metamorphism. Specifically, it develops when limestone or dolomite is intruded by hot igneous rock, and the heat drives chemical reactions between the carbonate minerals of the limestone and the silica, aluminium, sodium, and sulphur introduced by hydrothermal fluids associated with the intrusion. These reactions produce the mineral assemblage that defines Lapis Lazuli, with Lazurite forming under the specific high-temperature, sulphur-rich conditions created at the contact zone. The requirement for this precise combination of a suitable carbonate host rock, a nearby igneous intrusion, and sulphur-rich hydrothermal fluids explains why Lapis Lazuli of gem quality is found in relatively few locations worldwide despite limestone and igneous rocks both being common individually. The most significant and historically important source is the Sar-e-Sang deposit in the Badakhshan province of north-eastern Afghanistan, which has been continuously mined for over six thousand years and remains the world’s primary source of the finest quality material. The mines there are among the oldest known gemstone mining operations on Earth, and the material extracted from them reached ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley civilisation through trade networks that predated written history in some cases. Other notable sources include the Lake Baikal region of Russia, which produces material of good quality though generally considered inferior to the finest Afghan material in terms of colour depth and Pyrite distribution. Chile produces significant quantities of commercial grade material, and deposits are also known in Argentina, Pakistan, and the United States. Key Physical Properties Property Detail Mineral Group Silicate Category Metamorphic Rock Crystal System Cubic (Lazurite component) Hardness 5 – 5.5 Mohs Specific Gravity 2.70 – 2.90 Refractive Index 1.50 – 1.55 Birefringence None Pleochroism Weak, blue to violet-blue Lustre Waxy to dull Fracture Uneven to conchoidal Cleavage None Tenacity Brittle Colour Deep blue with Pyrite and Calcite Streak Pale blue Formula (Na,Ca)₈[(S,Cl,SO₄,OH)₂|(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)] Safe to Cleanse in Water Yes; avoid prolonged soaking The absence of birefringence reflects the cubic crystal system of the Lazurite component: cubic minerals are optically isotropic and cannot split light into two rays. The hardness of 5 to 5.5 is moderate and requires reasonable care in jewellery use, as the material will scratch more readily than harder gemstones. The specific gravity range of 2.70 to 2.90 varies depending on the relative proportions of the constituent minerals, with higher Pyrite content producing denser specimens. The Minerals Within: Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite Understanding the three principal mineral components of Lapis Lazuli explains both its visual character and the quality gradations that matter in the collector and gem market. Lazurite is the mineral responsible for the blue colour and is the defining component of Lapis Lazuli. It belongs to the sodalite group of feldspathoid minerals and contains sulphur radical anions, specifically the S₃⁻ trisulphide ion, within its crystal structure. These sulphur radicals absorb strongly in the yellow-orange part of the visible spectrum, leaving blue and violet wavelengths to dominate. The intensity and saturation of the blue in any specimen of Lapis Lazuli is directly proportional to the Lazurite content and the concentration of these sulphur radicals. The finest material shows a deep, even, saturated blue with minimal pale patches. Calcite is present in virtually all natural Lapis Lazuli as white to cream veins, patches, and matrix. In lower-grade material Calcite is abundant, producing a pale, washed-out appearance with significant white interruption of the blue. In the finest material Calcite is minimal, appearing only as fine veining or being almost absent. From a quality assessment perspective, lower Calcite content generally indicates higher grade material, though some collectors appreciate the contrast of white veining against deep blue. Pyrite occurs as bright gold metallic flecks, grains, and occasionally as small cubic crystals distributed through the blue matrix. Unlike Calcite, whose presence generally reduces the perceived quality, a well-distributed scattering of fine Pyrite flecks is considered desirable and is a marker of genuine natural Lapis Lazuli. The gold against blue combination has been celebrated across thousands of years of decorative use as an evocation of a starry night sky. Very high Pyrite concentrations, however, can disrupt the blue colour and reduce the overall quality of the material. Lapis Lazuli as a Historical Pigment The history of Lapis Lazuli as a pigment is one of the most significant chapters in the history of art, and it connects specimens in modern collections directly to some of the most celebrated paintings in Western culture. Ground Lapis Lazuli produces Ultramarine, from the Latin ultra marinus meaning beyond the sea, a reference to the distant Afghan origin of the stone. For several centuries, from approximately the thirteenth to the seventeenth, Ultramarine was the most prized and expensive blue pigment available to European painters, more costly than gold by weight and reserved for the most important elements of the most significant commissions. The blue robes of the Virgin Mary in medieval and Renaissance painting were almost universally rendered in Ultramarine as a mark of the highest respect and the greatest expense. Painters including Raphael, Titian, Vermeer, and Michelangelo used Lazurite-derived Ultramarine in their most celebrated works. The pigment was produced by a laborious process of grinding the stone and washing the powder through a medium of oil or wax to separate the Lazurite from the Calcite and Pyrite, a process that could take weeks for a single batch of high-quality pigment. The finest grades retained the most intense blue and were reserved for the most prominent passages of a painting. The introduction of synthetic Ultramarine in 1826, produced from a chemical process that replicated the sulphur-radical colour mechanism of natural Lazurite at a fraction of the cost, effectively ended the use of natural Lapis Lazuli as a pigment. The synthetic version is still produced and used today and is the Ultramarine found in modern artists’ paints. Quality, Grading, and Imitations Lapis Lazuli is graded primarily on the depth and evenness of its blue colour, the proportion of Calcite visible as white veining or patches, and the distribution and character of Pyrite inclusions. The finest grade, sometimes called Persian or Afghan grade regardless of actual origin, shows a deep, uniform, saturated blue with minimal Calcite and a fine, even distribution of Pyrite flecks. This material commands significant premiums and is used in the finest jewellery and decorative objects. Middle-grade material shows good blue colour but with more visible Calcite veining and less even Pyrite distribution. Lower-grade material is heavily veined with white Calcite and shows a paler, less saturated blue. Imitations and simulants are common in the commercial market. Dyed Howlite and dyed Jasper are the most frequently encountered imitations, both accepting blue dye readily and producing a convincing visual imitation at significantly lower cost. These can usually be identified by the absence of genuine Pyrite inclusions, the presence of unnatural colour distribution, and the lower specific gravity compared to genuine Lapis Lazuli. Synthetic Lapis Lazuli also exists, produced by processes that replicate the mineral composition, and can be more difficult to distinguish from natural material without laboratory testing. As with Turquoise, asking specifically whether material is natural and untreated, and buying from sources that provide clear answers, is the best practical guidance for collectors. Lapis Lazuli in Human History The human relationship with Lapis Lazuli is among the most ancient and geographically extensive of any gemstone material. Archaeological evidence documents its use across more than six thousand years and multiple civilisations simultaneously, connected by trade routes that carried Afghan material across the ancient world with remarkable reach. In ancient Mesopotamia, Lapis Lazuli was associated with divine power and was used in the most prestigious jewellery, ceremonial objects, and inlay work. The Royal Standard of Ur, dating to approximately 2600 BCE and now in the British Museum, incorporates Lapis Lazuli alongside shell and red limestone in one of the finest examples of ancient inlay craftsmanship known. In ancient Egypt the material held profound symbolic significance, associated with the night sky, the gods, and the afterlife. It was used extensively in jewellery, amulets, and funerary objects, and the blue of Lapis Lazuli appears throughout the decoration of royal tombs including those of Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. Egyptian craftsmen also used powdered Lapis Lazuli as a cosmetic and pigment. In ancient Greece and Rome it was used in jewellery and decorative arts, and its association with wisdom, truth, and the heavens was established across multiple Mediterranean cultures independently. The medieval and Renaissance use of Lapis Lazuli as Ultramarine pigment extended its cultural significance into the history of European art at the highest level, creating a connection between the Afghan mines, the medieval trade routes, and the painted altarpieces and frescoes of Florence, Venice, and Rome that persists in museum collections to this day. Care and Handling Lapis Lazuli is a relatively straightforward mineral to care for but its moderate hardness of 5 to 5.5 means it will scratch more easily than harder gemstones and requires reasonable protection from abrasion. Store separately from harder minerals with soft padding and avoid contact with materials that could scratch the surface. Water cleansing is generally safe for brief contact. Prolonged soaking is not recommended as Calcite is slightly soluble in water and sustained exposure could eventually affect the surface of lower-grade material with high Calcite content. Clean with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic equipment, and steam cleaning. The Pyrite inclusions in Lapis Lazuli are generally stable under normal conditions but can tarnish if exposed to sustained humidity or acidic environments. Keep in a stable, dry display environment for long-term preservation of surface quality. Traditional Associations While this guide focuses on the mineralogy and science of Lapis Lazuli, it carries one of the deepest and most geographically widespread cultural and spiritual histories of any gemstone material. Associated across many traditions with truth, wisdom, protection, and connection to the divine, it has been revered from ancient Mesopotamia to the present day. In chakra work it is connected to the Throat and Third Eye Chakras. These associations are rooted in deep cultural tradition rather than scientific properties. For a full exploration of how to work with Lapis Lazuli spiritually, see our dedicated spiritual guide. Summary Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock whose deep blue colour is produced by Lazurite, a sulphur-bearing feldspathoid mineral formed through contact metamorphism of limestone. Its characteristic combination of blue, white Calcite, and gold Pyrite has been valued continuously for over six thousand years, making it one of the most historically significant gemstone materials on Earth. From the Royal Standard of Ur to the blue robes of the Virgin Mary in Renaissance painting, its cultural footprint spans civilisations and millennia. Understanding its three-mineral composition, the quality factors that distinguish fine from commercial grade material, and the prevalence of imitations in the market makes it a more rewarding mineral to collect and appreciate at any level. Browse our full Lapis Lazuli collection to find raw specimens, polished pieces, and carved objects. As always, our inbox and DMs are open if you would like guidance or simply wish to explore further. Contact us Love, Laura Further Reading Pyrite: The Mineral That Fooled the World and Still Fascinates It Azurite: The Mineral That Coloured Medieval Paintings Calcite Family Guides Malachite: From Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics to the Winter Palace Sodalite: Embrace Peace and Speak with Clarity Tanzanite: The Gemstone Discovered in 1967 That May Run Out Within Your Lifetime A Beginner’s Guide to Mineral Chemical Properties and Classification A Beginner’s Guide to Mineral Physical Properties

on Mar 10 2025

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Top 10 Crystals For Men and How to Use Them

Crystals have both feminine and masculine energies, but that doesn't mean only women should use feminine crystals and men only masculine ones — not at all! In fact, many crystals can support men in unique and powerful ways. In this guide, we explore the best crystals for men, why they're particularly effective, and how to use them. Whether it's reducing stress, boosting creativity, building confidence, or connecting with your authentic self, these stones offer meaningful support for every stage of life. Amethyst Amethyst has long been used for its calming and spiritual benefits. While it's considered a unisex crystal, men often resonate deeply with its soothing energy. It's an excellent stone for reducing anxiety and stress. Amethyst grounds emotional energy, helping to ease overthinking and calm the nervous system. It's particularly helpful during times of emotional uncertainty or internal conflict, gently guiding you back to centre. How to Use Amethyst: Whether you've got a show-stopping Cathedral or a handful of tumblestones, Amethyst is powerful. We love placing it next to the bed for better sleep and relaxation. For the office, a large Amethyst cluster or geode makes a stunning statement piece while keeping unwanted energies at bay. 👉 Discover and shop all Amethyst here. Pyrite Often called “Fool's Gold,” Pyrite is anything but foolish. This bold crystal supports ambition, ignites inner fire, and helps you pursue your dreams with passion and purpose. It promotes a sense of inner strength, encourages authenticity, and is an excellent ally for boosting confidence. It's also known as a stone of wealth and abundance — perfect if you're focused on success and personal power. How to Use Pyrite: Wear a Pyrite pendant to keep your energy focused and your goals top of mind. Keep raw chunks or cubes on your desk or in your workspace to attract prosperity and enhance motivation. 👉 Discover and shop all Pyrite here. Tiger's Eye Tiger's Eye is the ultimate balance between energy and calm. It sharpens focus, helps clarify decisions, and grounds scattered thoughts. Men working on self-esteem, decision-making, or stepping into leadership often find Tiger's Eye extremely supportive. It also offers strong protection against negative energy and promotes financial stability. How to Use Tiger's Eye: Tiger's Eye looks sleek in men's jewellery — think bracelets, amulets, or rings. It also makes an excellent sphere or palmstone for meditation and grounding. Keep it in your living space for an earthy, masculine touch that's as stylish as it is powerful. 👉 Shop Red, Gold, and Blue Tiger's Eye here. Tourmaline (Black) Tourmaline is a powerhouse of protection and balance. It's especially effective for men who work in high-stress environments or around lots of tech. This stone clears heavy energies, offers emotional protection, and helps connect to deeper passion and purpose. It balances both the base and heart chakras — which is ideal for reconnecting with what truly matters. How to Use Tourmaline: Place rough Black Tourmaline near devices to help reduce EMFs. For men, wearing a piece (like a bracelet or pendant) helps keep energy stable and grounded throughout the day. 👉 Discover and shop all Tourmaline here. Kyanite Kyanite is an air-element crystal, which means it brings lightness, clarity, and alignment. It's an underrated choice for men, but one with big benefits — especially for mental clarity and emotional release. It helps clear away stress, enhances dream recall, and sharpens communication. How to Use Kyanite: Due to its fragile nature, Kyanite is best kept safe — on your nightstand or desk is perfect. It's also a fantastic throat chakra stone, so wearing it as a pendant (when handled with care) can boost confidence in communication. 👉 Shop Kyanite here. Lapis Lazuli Lapis Lazuli is a bold blue stone that promotes truth, vision, and leadership. It helps men become more in tune with their emotions and deepen their relationships — both romantic and platonic. It's long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and clarity, making it perfect for the man stepping into his higher self. How to Use Lapis Lazuli: Wearing Lapis jewellery strengthens its energetic connection to your body. Use it to enhance emotional balance, intuition, and clear thinking. Cleanse with sage smoke and store in a cool, dry place. 👉 Discover all Lapis Lazuli here. Moonstone Though often seen as a feminine stone, Moonstone offers powerful emotional support for men too. It encourages emotional expression, deepens intuition, and brings a soft, healing energy. Known as the “stone of new beginnings”, it supports transformation and helps men open to love, vulnerability, and creativity. How to Use Moonstone: Wearing Moonstone is deeply calming. Try placing small pieces — like chips or tumblestones — under your pillow for a soothing night's sleep. 👉 Explore Moonstone, Black Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone and more here. Crystals for Men Who Think Outside the Box Not all powerful crystals come with mainstream fame. These hidden gems offer incredible support — especially for men seeking something a little different. Arfvedsonite This striking black-and-blue crystal is perfect for visionaries and deep thinkers. Arfvedsonite is known to sharpen intuition, support spiritual insight, and help release old patterns. For men, it encourages forward-thinking and helps align your inner truth with your outer actions. How to Use Arfvedsonite: Place it in a meditation corner or keep a piece on your person to amplify vision, clarity and decision-making. It's also excellent for dreamwork. 👉 Shop Arfvedsonite here. Permineralized Wood (Fossilised Wood) With deeply grounding energy, Permineralized Wood connects you to nature's wisdom and ancient strength. It stabilises the emotions, encourages patience, and supports long-term thinking. An excellent crystal for men going through transitions or seeking a solid foundation. How to Use Permineralized Wood: Keep a piece in your study or meditation area. Its slow, steady energy brings focus, balance, and resilience — perfect for managing long-term projects or life changes. 👉 Discover Fossilised Wood here. Galena Galena is an often-overlooked mineral that provides serious energetic weight. With its heavy, metallic appearance, Galena is ideal for men looking to feel grounded and in control. It's fantastic for detoxifying environments and shielding against unwanted energy. How to Use Galena: Keep Galena in your workspace to maintain emotional balance and focus. It's also an excellent tool in shadow work or inner healing. ⚠️ Galena contains lead, so be mindful handling it, display it safely and wash hands after touching. 👉 Shop Galena here. What crystals do you use? We'd love to know which stones you swear by. Share your favourites with us and let's grow this guide together! Love, Laura Further Reading Best Crystals for Self Love Crystal Healing Guide 101 Moldavite: A Life Changing Stone Best Crystals for Confidence The Seven Chakra Guides The Ultimate Guide to Crystal Shapes Zodiacs and Crystals

on Oct 25 2022

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