It derived its name from the Latin word “Lapis” meaning stone and “azul” from an Arabic word signifying blue. Lapis lazuli is a mixture of several minerals. The best lapis lazuli still come from Badakschan, in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.

The biggest mine of lapis lazuli is the sar-e-sang deposits in Afghanistan and is one of the oldest mines in the world, producing continuously for over 7000 years. Lapis is also found in Chile, Usa, Pakistan, but good quality is rare.

Ancient Egyptian has been using lapis in ornamental decoration for thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans used it as a reward for bravery and the Romans also believed lapis to be a powerful aphrodisiac. Kings and emperors used it to demonstrate their power to the outside world. The remnants of lapis lazuli tiles can still be seen in many ancient tombs in Egypt, Syria, Iran and Iraq.

Tutankhamun’s death mask was a perfect study in gold and lapis. Historians believe it was one of the first gems worn in jewelry. Cleopatra used ground up lapis as an early form of eye shadow. It was considered even more precious than gold. What made it twice as precious was its other use as the source of ultramarine paint. Lapis was so costly not only because of its distant source, but also the difficulty in extracting the blue pigment from the stone.

During the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was believed to maintain the skeleton in healthy condition while keeping the spirit free from the negative emotions of fear and jealousy. Lapis Lazuli boosts the immune system, purifies blood, lowers blood pressure, strengthens total awareness, creativity, thyroid, helps to expand viewpoint. It is also believed to improve sleep, cure insomnia and overcomes depression.

Lapis lazuli is a versatile gemstone that historically has served a multitude of purposes, it has not only attracted the people of ancient times, but still fascinates the people of modern age.

Beauty enhancing treatments can produce remarkable results. Less expensive materials can be transformed into beautiful gemstones. Gemstones are treated in different ways to improve their appearance and make them more marketable. The most famous method of gemstone treatment is heat treatment.

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Heating method helps in improving or removing the gemstone colour. Tourmalines are frequently heated to lighten the color. Blue zircons are usually heated and the resulting color is permanent. Since heating is generally permanent, heated stones do not require special care.

For some stones treatment or enhancement can reduce its value?

For example, a large, untreated, (color unchanged) stone is much more desirable on the marketplace
than a similarly “treated” stone and will never lose its color or beauty.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with gem enhancements as long as you are made aware of their use.

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Around the world, throughout history, people from nearly all cultures have believed that some gemstones and crystals held spiritual and healing powers.

Some practitoners believe that the inherent vibrational “tuning” of various crystals resonates with our
bodies in various ways that can promote or speed healing, just as deep therapeutic massage, acupressure, and acupuncture are believed to have similar beneficial effects.

Many gemstones said to help people to deal with the stress and pressure of everyday life, allowing them to lead happier lives. Amethyst is said to deal with problems in the blood, breathing problems, anxiety, depression, and helps the digestive tract, boosts the production of hormones and strengthening the immune system.

For some people of this modern age it is quite difficult to believe as their scientific thinking doesn’t allow them to believe anything which is not proved by the science. There are also some people who say that gemstone are like other stones but people begin to consider them magic stones because of their beauty and luster.

Modern science recognizes the inherent powers of gemstones in the technological uses, such as the use of crystals in watches, computers, and lasers, but the more subtle potencies, such as their ability to promote physical healing in the body, or their power to help balance human emotions, elude modern science.

Wearing gemstones might affect some people in releasing their deep emotions, But claiming of special healing powers need to be examined. Such study must be conducted as it can help to learn some hidden secrets of the gemstones.