I remember purchasing these beautiful Afghanistan hand polished and large flat slabs of wonderful, soft and smooth beads in Rajasthan, India. I was told these lapis were no longer being mined in Afghanistan and were of the highest quality. I fell in love with the noble, saturated cobalt blue of these jewels. With specks of gold are found within their value rises. There are many lapis on the market without this important attribute. The gold, being pyrite - "fools gold" as know by many. The pyrite and lapis lazuli grow and merge together.
I constructed the large, 2.5" flat slab adding gold crystal beads and throughout the necklace as well. The tiny antique looking gold metal beads are hand made in Tibet. The closure is 1.5" Tibetan gold metal.
"Lapis Lazuli is one of the most sought after stones in use since man's history began. Its deep, celestial blue remains the symbol of royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit and vision. It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth.
In ancient times Lapis Lazuli was most highly regarded because of its beautiful color and the valuable ultramarine dye derived from it. Its name comes from the Latin lapis, "stone," and the Persian lazhuward, "blue." It is rock formed by multiple minerals, mostly Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite and Pyrite, and is a rich medium to royal blue with gold flecks (pyrites). Lower-grade Lapis is lighter blue with more white than gold flecks, and is sometimes called denim Lapis."
"Crystal Healing Properties: Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue crystal flecked with white and gold. It is a highly prized gemstone.
Lapis Lazuli is thought to stimulate the higher levels of the mind encouraging clarity and objectivity. It is also believed to allow the release of stress bringing deep inner peace.
Lapis Lazuli is said to facilitate self-knowledge and self-expression and, when used in meditation, to enhance psychic ability and spiritual insight.
In healing Lapis Lazuli balances the Throat Chakra and the Brow Chakra. and is believed to help overcome depression, lower blood pressure and to boost the immune system and the thyroid. Lapis Lazuli is also said to be beneficial for alleviating migraine headaches and insomnia.
Lapis Lazuli is the birthstone for September."