This noble stone has been mined for over 8,500 years. Its name comes from the Persian lazhward, which means sky blue. Ground into powder for paint, it was the original ultramarine blue. Throughout history it has been treasured by royalty, including the Egyptian pharaohs, as well as by people everywhere of more modest means.
Spiritual Properties
Helps you focus your energy in prayer and meditation, which makes it an excellent stone for mala beads. Promotes intuition, fosters creativity, stimulates intellectual clarity.
Physical Properties
Known as a stone of regeneration in many cultures—it is associated with the Buddha of Healing—it helps balance emotions, release tension, maintain courage. Strengthens bones, thyroid gland.
- Chakra: Third eye
- Element(s): Air, Earth, Fire, Water
- Zodiac Sign(s): Aquarius, Pisces, Sagittarius
- Planet(s): Mercury, Venus
Dharma Beads: Making and Using Your Own Buddhist Malas
Joanna Arettam (2000) Journey Editions; Tuttle Publishing