Lapis lazuli beads might as well come straight from the tales of the Arabian Nights, with their rich blue color and inclusions that twinkle like stars! The name comes from the Latin word for "stone" (lapis) and the Arabian word for "blue" (azul). One of only a few rocks used as a semiprecious gemstone, lapis lazuli contains grains of several blue minerals, including lazurite and sodalite. This opaque stone is distinctively fluorescent, and contains a matrix of calcite and speckles of pyrite. Lapis lazuli was one of the first gemstones to be used in jewelry.
Lapis beads continue a jewelry tradition dating back thousands of years. Mediterranean excavations have unearthed lapis jewelry dating back to 2900 B.C., and the legendary city of Ur is reported to have run a lapis trade as early as 4000 B.C.! Alexander the Great introduced this deep blue gemstone to Europe. In the Middle Ages, monks powdered the stone for use in illuminated manuscripts. Today, people around the world consider lapis to be a stone of truth, spirituality, and friendship. They are reputed to bring harmony to relationships, cleanse the mental body, and release old karmic patterns.
Denim lapis beads are cut from a relatively pale, less-expensive form of lapis. Their lighter blue color looks great with blue jeans! Enhanced lapis is genuine lapis lazuli that is dyed and stabilized to appear liker pricier dark lapis. Keep in mind that lapis gemstones are easily scratched and chipped; clean these beads only with a soft, dry cloth to maintain their shine.
Although today sapphire is the most popular birthstone for September, Lapis has also been a popular birthstone for Libra and September birthdates throughout the centuries.
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Dakota Stones 6mm Lapis Double Heart Star Cut Bead Strand
Dakota Stones$21.55Bold blues fill these Dakota Stones 6mm lapis double heart star cut beads. These beads feature diamond cut double heart facets that help them catch the light. These lapis gemstone beads have a deep blue color with golden speckles throughout. They would... -
Dakota Stones 6mm Matte Lapis Lazuli Round Bead Strand
Dakota Stones$15.95Dark elegance fills the Dakota Stones 6mm matte lapis lazuli round beads. These beads are perfectly round in shape, so they can be used anywhere, especially in classic designs. They are versatile in size, so use them in necklaces, bracelets and earrings... -
Dakota Stones Lapis 6mm Round Faceted 16-Inch Bead Strand
Dakota Stones$23.35Bold style fills these Dakota Stones beads. These beads take on a classic round shape with beautiful facets that shine from every angle. You'll love the way they catch the eye in your projects. The dark blue color of these beads is lit up by flecks of... -
Dakota Stones Lapis A Grade 6mm Round - 15-Inch Bead Strand
Dakota StonesMSRP: $26.00$23.35A dark elegance fills these lapis lazuli round beads from Dakota Stones. Available by the strand, these bold beads are spherical in shape and feature glittering golden color sprinkled over a dark blue background. Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone... -
Dakota Stones Lapis Lazuli 6mm Round 8-Inch Bead Strand
Dakota Stones$16.95Your jewelry will dazzle everyone with subtle hints of gold glitter when you use the lapis lazuli 6mm round beads from Dakota Stones. Available by the strand, these beads feature a round shape and a versatile size you can use in any jewelry design. The...