Chemical & mechanical properties of Lapis Lazuli
This beautiful stone is technically a rock, not a mineral, because it is made up of various other minerals.
Lazurite
can be thought of as a product of a chemical reaction between
the mineral nepheline, similar chemically to the common mineral
feldspar, and sodium chloride, NaCl, the mineral halite. As
a common, widespread chemical element, chlorine plays a role
in numerous geochemical reactions and appears in many mineral
formulas. Chlorine in lazurite is supplied by sodium chloride.
The "driving force" for this reaction is the heat
supplied by nearby magma. 1
Lapis is formed by contact metamorphism which occurs deep below the earth's surface. This natural process occurs when magma finds its way deep into cracks in the earth's crust; the intense heat of the fluid causes chemical changes in the rock surrounding the intrusion creating such beautiful stones as Lapis Lazuli.. 2
Lapis lazuli is characteristically recognized by its distinctive blue colour (due to the Lazurite).
It yields H²S gas (rotten egg smell) when exposed to HCl.
Lapis
lazuli is a rock composed mainly of the following minerals:
- Lazurite: (Na,CA)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)2
- Hauynite: (Na,CA)4-8(AlSiO4)6(SO4)1-2
- Sodalite: Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2
- Noselite: Na8(AlSiO4)6SO4
- Calcite: CaCO3
- Pyrite: FeS2
- Diopside, augite, mica and hornblende may also be
present in small amounts
- Class: Silicates
Subclass: Tectosilicates
Group: Both the Sodalite and Feldspathoid groups.
Crystal
Habit: Massive as a rock (Lapis Lazuli) forming mineral,
but dodecahedral crystals have been found of Lazurite. - Index of refraction: approximately 1.5
- Pleochroism: none (isotropic)
- Specific Gravity: generally 2.7 to 2.9, higher with increasing
pyrite content
- Hardness: 5.0 to 5.5
- Durability: sensitive to heat, acid, alkali
- Color: deep blue, purplish-blue, greenish blue
- Luster: dull
- Transparency: translucent
- Cleavage: Poor. In six directions, but rarely seen.
- Fracture: conchoidal
- Streak: light blue
- Index of refraction is 1.5
- Wearability: good.
Mataphysical properties
It is rumoured, suggested, believed that...
Lapis Lazuli enhances the interconnectedness of the higher bodies with the physical body, resulting in a heightened willingness to communicate freely with the outer world.
The
primary effect of Lapis is upon the throat; as such, Lapis
affects the speech center and the ability to communicate freely
and stay in touch with one’s surroundings.
Lapis stimulates the thyroid and harmonizes its functions. The secondary effect of Lapis is upon the kidneys, helping with elimination of toxins and reducing high blood pressure.
Lapis Lazuli has a profound effect on female hormonal balance. It usually increases the menstrual cycle by two days, and for those that are menopausal, a sequence of changes is induced that may result in the return of a regular menstrual cycle.
Lapis has proven itself as a tool for weight loss, particularly reducing the fat levels in one’s tissue.
3
“Lapis
lazuli bestows wisdom and honesty and reveals our inner truth.”
writes Michael Gienger; “it makes us enjoy contact with
others and helps us convey feelings and emotions, quite vehemently,
if necessary. (…) Lapis lazuli heals problems affecting
the neck, larynx and vocal chords, particularly if they originate
in reserve or repressed anger.” (Gienger, Michael: Crystal
Power, Crystal Healing, London 2002, Cassell & Co., p.
310)
Michel Dogna and Marie-Joelle Kraffe suggest that Lapis regenerates the thyroid gland, activates the combustion of fats and ‘magnetizes’ the voice. It is indicated in sinusitis. (Dogna, Michel and Kraffe, Marie-Joelle: Elixirs mineraux et Huiles dynamisees, Paris 1988, Guy Tredaniel, p.189)
In Vedic Astrology and Ayurveda, Lapis Lazuli is said to be “useful in the treatment of asthma, prameha (obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes), tuberculosis and serious types of vomiting as well as hiccups.” (Dash, Vaidya Bhagwan: Alchemy and Metallic Medicines in Ayurveda, New Delhi 1986, Concept Publishing, p.152)
