Lapis lazuli, a captivating blue stone, holds a prominent place in history, art, and cultural beliefs. While modern associations categorize it as a birthstone, its significance extends far beyond a single month. This article will explore the history, geological origins, properties, symbolism, and uses of lapis lazuli, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Lapis lazuli boasts a history stretching back millennia. Evidence suggests its use as early as the 6th and 7th millennia BC, with examples found in Sumerian necklaces dating to 2600–2500 BC, crafted from gold and lapis lazuli. These artifacts, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrate the stone’s early value and association with prestige. Ancient Egyptians also prized lapis lazuli, incorporating it into scarab finger rings as early as 1850–1750 BC, again set in gold. Neo-Babylonian conical seals from the 7th–6th century BC also utilized the stone, showcasing its continued importance.
The very name “lapis lazuli” has a historical root. Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, named the stone around 350 BCE after discovering it along the shore of the River Achates (now the Dirillo River) in Sicily. Interestingly, for a considerable period, the term “sapphire” was used to refer to what we now know as lapis lazuli, a practice continuing into the Middle Ages. This historical conflation highlights the stone’s deep blue color and its association with royalty and the heavens. References to “sapphire” in ancient texts may, in some instances, actually refer to lapis lazuli.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the specific geological processes involved in lapis lazuli formation, they do indicate its occurrence within specific geological contexts. The stone forms in contact metamorphic rocks, specifically within veins or as nodules. The primary source mentioned is Sar-e-Sang, a lapis lazuli mine located in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. Detailed studies of this mine were conducted in 1964, and further research was published in 1972.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited gemological data for lapis lazuli. It is not described as transparent, but rather as variously translucent. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.60–2.64, with a density of 2.6 g/cm3. It exhibits uniaxial optical properties and a refractive index of 1.530-1.543, with a birefringence of up to 0.004. Notably, lapis lazuli does not display dispersion or pleochroism.
The sources do not provide information on the stone’s hardness or chemical composition.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources primarily demonstrate the symbolic importance of lapis lazuli through its historical use in royal and religious artifacts. Its presence in Sumerian and Egyptian jewelry and seals suggests a connection to power, divinity, and the afterlife. The use of lapis lazuli in an Eye of Horus plaque from 664–332 BC further reinforces its association with protection and spiritual significance. References in religious texts, such as the Bible, also indicate its perceived value and symbolic weight.
Modern Usage and the Birthstone Connection
The provided sources indicate that lapis lazuli is currently valued as both a gemstone for jewelry and a collector’s stone. Within the context of the “Birthstones Collection” from Animal Jam, lapis lazuli is specifically identified as a birthstone, though the corresponding month is not specified in the provided materials. The collection consists of twelve gemstones sold seasonally, one for each month, and lapis lazuli is one of the twelve unique stones. These birthstones are available exclusively to members and cost 1,500 Gems within the game.
Treatment and Processing
The sources highlight that many paler or duller agates (and by extension, potentially lapis lazuli given the context of chalcedony discussion) are artificially treated to enhance their color. Historically, methods developed in 19th-century Germany involved soaking the stones in various solutions followed by heating to achieve desired colors. For example, blue hues could be produced using potassium ferricyanide or ferrocyanide, while red shades involved iron nitrate solutions and burning. Green colors were achieved with nickel or chromium salts.
Conclusion
Lapis lazuli stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with beautiful and meaningful stones. From its ancient origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt to its modern role as a gemstone and a birthstone within the Animal Jam universe, lapis lazuli has consistently held a place of significance. Its rich history, striking color, and association with power and spirituality ensure its continued appeal for generations to come.