Hobbies And Interests
Paint
Lapis Lazuli can be ground into powder and mixed with binding agents to create watercolor, tempura and oil paints in a brilliant blue called ultramarine, which literally means "beyond the sea." This color was used by medieval artists for the blue cloak of the Virgin Mary. Making ultramarine out of Lapis Lazuli is expensive and rare, so it's normally made today from synthetic materials.
Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry. It's been a versatile stone through the ages that both men and women have adored. It was used in amulets and talismans of long ago. Today, it's found in earrings, bracelets, expensive hair clips and pendants. The golden flecks of Pyrite that contrast sharply against the deep blue make this rock a rare jewel.
Metaphysical and Healing
The Lapis Lazuli stone is considered by many to have certain healing and metaphysical qualities. Some wear it or even carry a piece of it around at all times for this purpose. It's believed to awaken the intuition, enhance insight and awareness, and bring knowledge and wisdom. It's also believed to increase people's ability to commune with things of the spiritual nature and promote peace and balance for their inner selves.
Restorative Work
The blue pigment of Lapis Lazuli is radiant, so much so that other blue pigments pale beside it. For this reason, it's used to restore the deep-blue colors found in historical paintings and rare works of art, relying on the rare color that comes from the sulphur content of Lazurite within the stone. Lapis Lazuli comes in many shades, from the deepest ultramarine to the lightest blue.