HISTORY AND LORE OF LAPIS LAZULI

           Along with the blue zircon and turquoise, lapis is traditionally associated with December as being its birthstone.  associated with royalty because if its royal blue color. Lapis Lazuli is dark blue possibly with white spots of calcite. It often has specks of pyrite which look like gold. Lapis Lazuli is often dyed to improve its color.

     The etymology is Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin lapis + Medieval Latin lazuli, genitive of lazulum lapis lazuli, from Arabi "Azaward".  

     The mystical properties of Lapis say that it helps one understand the mind. It helps to expand your viewpoint. It is good for connecting the heart and the mind when worn over the heart. Lapis was prized in both Babylonia and Egypt and often worn by royalty. Legend has it that Lapis Lazuli would protect the wearer from evil. Lapis was a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever.