Lapis Lazuli: The History and Meaning Behind the 'Stone of Wisdom'

Isn’t Lapis Lazuli just a pretty blue gemstone? Wrong! It would be an understatement to call such a stone with so much history just “pretty”. Its beauty is at the level of taking your breath away when you set your eyes upon it, and lapis lazuli’s meaning contributes to it.

Known as the stone of wisdom, people have long associated lapis lazuli with various qualities, including knowledge and divine inspiration.

No wonder the brilliant blue stone with gold flecks has been accompanying royals, healers, and creatives alike for years and years.

What is it about lapis that makes it feel almost... magical?

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at what lapis lazuli really means. We’ll trace its roots from ancient civilisations to today’s jewellery boxes, explore lapis lazuli’s significance, symbolism and spiritual side, and finish with five gorgeous jewellery picks that let you keep this timeless stone close, every single day.

Image source - stock image

The Origins of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli’s royal blue colour with golden specks feels like the night sky with golden stars. The golden flecks aren’t glitter, it’s a material called pyrite. And those soft white patches? That’s calcite. The whole thing looks like a tiny night sky in your hand.

They go all the way back to the mines of Afghanistan, called the Sar-i Sang Mines, in the Badakhshan province, 7000 years ago. They are still in operation even in the 21st century.

Back then, lapis lazuli was considered so luxurious, only the most elite had hold of it. Nowadays, it's more accessible, but it hasn’t lost its sense of luxury and royalty or the lapis lazuli meaning.

It was used not only in jewellery but also in Renaissance art. Lapis lazuli, when crushed, is considered a pricey pigment called Ultramarine. It was used in many important artworks for the royal blue colour.

Lapis Lazuli in Ancient Civilisations

Lapis lazuli is engraved in many artistic traditions of ancient civilisations.

Ancient Egypt 

While we look at lapis lazuli as a beautiful gemstone, ancient Egyptians hailed it as something sacred.

Their sky goddess, Nut, was believed to have her soul in the precious royal blue gemstone. They believed that the soul can protect the wearer from evil.

Therefore, Lapis was used in many things, from amulets to pendants. In fact, its grounded powder was a make-up item! Nobility and the clergy wore it as eyeshadow.

Priests in Egypt use the funerary mask of Tutankhamun for rituals; they believe that it’s the way to talk to the gods. The mask primarily has lapis lazuli, the blue bits and is one of the symbols of lapis lazuli’s meaning.

Mesopotamia and Sumerian Culture

In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians were convinced that lapis lazuli held special powers. They believed it could connect you to the divine. There’s this myth about Inanna (the goddess of love and war), and she wore lapis to show her spiritual power.

People used lapis lazuli to make important things like seals, statues, and jewellery. Some of it was used in ceremonies, while some was used for more practical purposes. But either way, lapis lazuli’s significance was massive.

Symbolism and Meaning of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli has been seen as a symbol of wisdom for centuries, thought to sharpen the mind, spark curiosity, and help people speak with honesty and compassion.

They say it’s tied to the throat chakra, which makes sense. Wearing it close to your neck is supposed to help with speaking from the heart. It’s also got a connection to the third eye, so if you’re the type who tunes into your intuition, lapis lazuli’s significance is kind of perfect for that.

If you are buying lapis lazuli, it’s important to get the authentic gemstone. To know more, take a look at: Don't Get Duped! Learn How to Spot Top-Quality Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli’s Significance in Modern Times

Lapis lazuli’s been around forever, but weirdly, it still fits right into modern life. People are still into it, not just for how it looks, but also for what it means. Some folks use it during meditation, swear it helps clear your mind and get centred.

And artists? They’ve been obsessed with lapis lazuli since, like, the Renaissance. Fast-forward to now, it’s popping up in jewellery, fashion, and even in those crystal healing setups people build.

It’s one of those stones that somehow feels ancient and current at the same time. Kind of cool, honestly.

Top 5 Lapis Lazuli Jewellery Pieces

Lapis lazuli’s significance is doing its magic in today’s jewellery scene. Read our article to find out more about its use in jewellery- Lapis Lazuli: A Look at This Gemstone's Use in Jewellery.

For now, here are five of our favourite lapis lazuli pieces:

1.Bezel Set Lapis Tennis Bracelet

Lapis lazuli stones set in a delicate bezel, making it perfect for any outfit. The metallic frame is sleek, and the stones add the beauty of royal blue. Made with 14k solid gold, this Lapis Lazuli Bracelet is both luxurious and durable.

2. Lapis Zodiac Necklace

If you are one of the people who truly admire your zodiac, you can celebrate it with a touch of lapis lazuli. Your star sign symbol will shine nicely against the backdrop of lapis lazuli’s blue, in a round disk.

3. Hamsa Earring in Diamond and Lapis

This pair of earrings features the protective Hamsa hand, which has several diamonds and then a central lapis stone. If you believe that lapis lazuli protects you against negative energies, this is a perfect match for you, as both lapis lazuli and the hamsa hand are meaningful in that regard!

4. Lapis Open Heart Ring

This Lapis Lazuli Ring features lapis stones forming an open heart, set in gold. It is not corny at all; rather the right amount of romance mixed with elegance. The design is emotional yet grounded in the stone’s historical importance.

5. Evil Eye of Positive Energy Pendant

This isn’t just a pretty gold pendant; it’s a symbol of protection and positivity. Good energy in pendant form. The evil eye isn’t just a cool design, it’s a quiet little shield against the stuff that drains you.

Made from solid 14k yellow gold, with a bold combo of turquoise and lapis in the centre, plus a little diamond sparkle for good measure. 

For more shopping tips when it comes to lapis lazuli jewellery, take a look at our guide: Your Essential Guide to Buying Lapis Jewellery.

Conclusion

Lapis lazuli has found itself on many corners of history and the modern world. What can be seen in the sacred temples of Ancient Egypt can also be seen in modern-day runaways and our jewellery collection.

This highly valued gem has a rich historical story that it brings with it.

Whether it’s the meaning, the history, or just the way it makes you feel, lapis lazuli is a beautiful stone to own and wear.

Explore Argent & Asher’s collection of lapis lazuli jewellery to find a piece that speaks to your soul and elevates your style.