Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a stone with a rich history, large deposits are found in Afghanistan and lighter variations are found in Chile. Ancient references to “sapphire,” the sapphires of the Romans, usually, in fact, refer to lapis lazuli. It’s modern name originates in the Persian word lazhuward meaning “blue” and the Arabic word lazaward meaning “heaven” or “sky,” and came into use in Europe during the Middle Ages. In ancient Greece and Rome, there was a belief that sapphires, cured eye diseases and set prisoners free. It was noted by the Greek physician Dioscorides, around AD 55, that it was an antidote for snake venom; it was even an even older Assyrian cure for melancholy. The Romans also believed that lapis was a powerful aphrodisiac. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy, and free the soul from error, envy and fear.Another widespread ancient belief was that it protected the wearer from the evil eye – possible because its blue color flecked with gold pyrite resembled the night sky, the dwelling place of God. Similarly, a medieval treatise suggests that “meditation upon stone carries the soul to heavenly contemplation.”
In ancient Egypt lapis lazuli was a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments such as scarabs; it was also used by the Assyrians and Babylonians for seals. Lapis jewelry has been found at excavations of the Predynastic Egyptian site Naqada (3300–3100 BC), and powdered lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra. As inscribed in the 140th chapter of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, lapis lazuli, in the shape of an eye set in gold, was considered an amulet of great power. On the last day of the month, an offering was made before this symbolic eye, for it was believed that, on that day, the supreme being placed such an image on his head.
Many of the blues in painting from medieval Illuminated manuscripts to Renaissance panels were derived from lapis lazuli. Ground to a powder and processed to remove impurities and isolate the component lazurite, it forms the pigment ultramarine. Since the synthetic version of ultramarine was discovered in the 19th century (along with other 19th century blues, such as cobalt blue), production and use of the natural variety has almost ceased, though several pigment companies still produce it and some painters are still attracted to its brilliance and its romantic history.
Tiger Eye (also: Tiger's Eye)
Tiger’s Eye Quartz also spelled tiger-eye is a semiprecious variety of quartz exhibiting chatoyancy, a vertical luminescent band like that of a cat’s eye. Tiger’s eye is formed when parallel veins of crocidolite (blue asbestos) fibers are first altered to iron oxides and then replaced by silica. As a result, is it more opaque and has a rich yellow to brown color. It is found primarily in South Africa and Australia.
Tiger eye has a very subtle vibration. For this reason, it is frequently used in conjunction with other stones during healing work. It is a good stone for jewelry that you wear all the time, so that it's steady energy can work deeply. It's grounding and enduring qualities make it an excellent stone for meditation. You will frequently see prayerbeads (malas) made of tiger's eye. It is said to release anxiety, fear, and obsessiveness and to make emotions more logical. It is frequently listed as a good stone for business and achieving clarity. Tiger eye symbolizes willpower, confidence, and assurance. It is said to clear visual disturbances and provide protection during travel. Roman soldiers wore tiger eye because they believed it was an "all seeing" eye. Even today, one meaning of tiger eye is as psychic protection.
Carnelion
Carnelian is a blood-red to reddish-orange translucent variety of chalcedony. The coloration is due to presense of iron oxide, mostly found in Scotland, Brazil, and Washington State. Carnelian was once thought to still the blood and calm the temper. Conversely, it was also said to give the owner courage in battle and help timid speakers be eloquent. Many sources report that Carnelian be a powerful activator to the second Chakra, called the Sacral Chakra, which relates to a sense of Self along with the five senses, creativity, reproduction, sexuality and self-gratification.
Carnelians were used in Ancient Egyptian magic as protection for both the living and the dead. A Carnelian in the form of the "tjet," symbol of Mother Isis, was placed on the neck of a mummy to ensure the protection, safe passage, and rebirth of the spirit in the afterlife. Another Carnelian amulet was the Eye of Horus, which is still believed to offer protection against the evil eye. In Roman times, Carnelian was engraved with the head of a lion or a great leader.
Magical uses of Carnelian include using it as a focus for past life work and for finding a "twin soul" or family. It is good for all love and sex rites, especially to rekindle or increase passion that has begun to fade.
Mentally, Carnelian can improve analytical abilities and can clarify perception. It removes extraneous thoughts during meditation and sharpens concentration. Emotionally, this stone is a powerful protector against envy, rage and esentment...yours or other people's. It calms anger and banishes negativity, replacing it with a love of life.
Goethe wrote:
"Carnelian is a talisman,
It brings good luck to child and man;
If resting on an onyx ground,
A sacred kiss imprint when found.
It drives away all evil things;
To thee and thine protection brings.
The name of Allah, king of kings,
If graven on this stone, indeed,
Will move to love and doughty need.
From such a gem a woman gains
Sweet hope and comfort in her pains".
Malachite
Malachite is possibly the earliest ore of copper, having been mined in the Sinai and eastern deserts of ancient Egypt from as early as 5000BC. Large amounts are found in Democratic Republic of Congo, England, New South Whales, Russia, Mexico, AK and AZ, Namibia. Mining Malachite began as early as 4000 BC by ancient Egyptians. It was ground into powder and worn as eye makeup as far back as 3000 BC. This very same powder pigment is used by painters under the name of "mountain green." Malachite has been dubbed "The Magic Stone" for it is said to bring good luck, safe travel, and protection. It is also believed to bring good health, success, and constancy of affection. In the Middle ages, malachite was worn to protect from black magic and sorcery. In Ancient Greece amulets for children were made of malachite. In the New Stone Age came the discovery of the possibility of extracting certain metals from the ores in which they generally occur. Probably the first such material to be used was malachite, then already in use as a cosmetic and easily reduced to copper in a strong fire. It is impossible to be precise about the time and place of this discovery, but its consequences were tremendous. Namely it led to the search for other metallic ores and to the development of metallurgy.
Malachite is associated with the powerful love goddesses, who could be either benign or vengeful. In Greek mythology the throne of Demeter, goddess of grain and harvest, was fashioned from malachite and adorned with golden pigs and ears of barley.
Malachite is used as a powerful stone for protective magic, especially if traveling by air or on busy roadways. It is also good for amplifying wishes, and can be used in prosperity magic.
It is believed that by gazing or holding Malachite it will relax the nervous system and calm emotional upsets, bringing a sense of peace and harmony.
It has been used to make objects as large as the enormous malachite pillars of St Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg as well as intricately worked objects by Carl Faberge. Many artifacts created using malachite can be seen in the Hermitage Museum in Russia and the Uffizi and St. Peter’s in Italy.
Hope that has illuminated the magical qualities of these stones!
-P
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