Lapis lazuli - a collection of knowledge

Lapis lazuli, as a semi-precious stone used in jewelry, it is popular among lovers of jewelry made from natural ingredients. Distinguished by noble, intense Blue colour and goes well with silver and gold. It was valued already in antiquity - it was considered stone of gods and rulers and healing properties were attributed to it. What is the difference between lapis lazuli and what is worth knowing about this stone?

Lapis lazuli: properties and occurrence

Lapis lazuli belongs metamorphic rocksresulting from the transformation of limestone or dolomite. It is sometimes mistakenly called lapis lazuli - Feldspar is a mineral from the group of silicates (silicic acid salts), which is its main component. The sulfur compounds contained in the rock are responsible for the characteristic blue color of the rock. The very name of the stone is also associated with its unique color - composed of the Latin ("stone") And the second element from Arabic and Persian, meaning "blue''sky».

lapis lazuli stone it is a fine-grained rock with a compact structure, relatively brittle, occurring mainly in marble and carnassus. The largest natural deposits are in Afghanistan, where lapis lazuli has been mined for more than 6 years. The stone is also found in Russia, Chile, USA, South Africa, Burma, Angola, Rwanda and Italy. The most valuable are considered dark stones, which are distinguished by an intense, evenly distributed color.

Lapis lazuli, or sacred stone of the ancients

Years of Greatest Glory"heaven stone“These are ancient times. Lapis lazuli in ancient Mesopotamia - in Sumer, and then in Babylon, Akkad and Assyria - was considered the stone of gods and rulers and was used to make cult items, jewelry, seals and musical instruments. The Sumerians believed that this stone adorned the neck of one of the most important goddesses of Mesopotamian mythology - Ishtar, the goddess of war and love - during her journey to the land of the dead. Lapis lazuli was also popular in ancient Egypt during the reign of the pharaohs. It was one of the stones that adorned the famous golden mask of Tutankhamen, covering the face of a mummy in the tomb of the pharaoh, found in the Valley of the Kings.

In ancient folk medicine, lapis lazuli was assigned the role of an aphrodisiac. It was also believed that this stone affects the body. animating i calming, increases the strength of the arms and legs, relieves stress and insomnia, supports the immune system and has a positive effect on the sinuses. The Egyptians used it for fever, cramps, pain (including menstrual pain), asthma, and hypertension.

Lapis lazuli - where is it used?

In addition to its decorative and decorative function, the "heavenly stone" has been used for other purposes over the centuries. Before the invention of synthetic dyes, that is, before the beginning of the XNUMXth century, lapis lazuli it was used as a pigment after grindingacting under the name ultramarine, for the production of paints used in oil and fresco painting. It has also been discovered while examining prehistoric rock art. Today, lapis lazuli is valued as a collectible stone and raw material from which a variety of jewelry (precious stone) is made - from small sculptures and figurines to jewelry items.

In jewelry, lapis lazuli is classified as semiprecious stones. Combines with silver and gold, as well as other precious and semi-precious stones. First of all, elegant silver rings, gold pendants and lapis lazuli earrings are produced. Stones containing sparkling pyrite particles. In turn, the value is reduced by visible growths of calcite - white or gray.

How to care for lapis lazuli jewelry?

Lapis lazuli is a heat-sensitive stone., acids and chemicals, including soap, under the influence of which it fades. Remember to remove jewelry with this stone before washing your hands and doing household chores. Due to its relative softness compared to other stones used in the manufacture of jewelry, lapis lazuli jewelry should be stored properly, protected from possible mechanical damage. If necessary, lapis lazuli jewelry can be wiped with a soft cloth dampened with water.

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