Lapis Lazuli

Other names:

Lapis, Lazurite

Appearance:

Opaque blue, often with silver/grey or dark inclusions

Common confusions......

Swiss lapis (which is actually grey-brown jasper coloured with prussian blue)

Esoteric beliefs and associations...

Associated with the planet Jupiter, the direction of West, the month of September, and with the Goddesses Isis, Nuit and Venus. Dark blue often attracts changes of circumstances and psychic ability. Also associated with the attraction of one's soul-mate.

Other useful information...

The rather unusual name comes from arabic/latin for 'blue stone'.

Physical properties...

Chemistry	Sulphur containing sodium aluminium silicate
System/Structure	Isometric (normally a dense grainy aggregate - crystals are more rare)
Refractive Index	1.500
Specific Gravity	2.40 - 2.90
Mohs' Hardness	5.0 - 6.0