Lapis Lazuli is a stunning gemstone with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Its name is derived from several sources; "lapis" is Latin for "stone," while "lazuli" comes from the Persian word "lazhward," which refers to the stone's intense blue colour.

It was highly valued in ancient civilisations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with royalty and the divine, often used in burial masks, jewellery, and amulets. Cleopatra is said to have used powdered Lapis Lazuli as eye shadow. The deep blue colour of Lapis Lazuli was often associated with the heavens, representing the vast expanse of knowledge and wisdom beyond earthly realms.

In contemporary spirituality, Lapis Lazuli is thought to enhance mental clarity, intuition, and insight. Its energy is believed to stimulate the mind, promote deep thought, and facilitate access to inner wisdom. Many people use Lapis Lazuli during meditation or contemplation to connect with their higher selves and gain a deeper understanding of life's mysteries.

In metaphysical practices, Lapis Lazuli is associated with the third eye chakra, symbolising intuition and inner vision.

The colour of Lapis Lazuli can range from deep blue to light blue, often with veins or flecks of pyrite (fool's gold) running through it. These golden inclusions are highly prized and add to the stone's allure.

Geographically, Lapis Lazuli is primarily found in the remote mountains of Afghanistan, in a region known as the Badakhshan province. The mines in this area have been producing Lapis Lazuli for over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest known sources of gemstones. Other significant deposits have been discovered in countries such as Chile, Russia, and the United States.