Why you should definitely not rub toxic powder in your eyes.

Ow. Photo by Brooke Cagle.

Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest stones to be used in the world of men. And the most notable use of the stone was by one of the most powerful women of the ancient world: Cleopatra.

Powdered Lapis Lazuli

You see, Cleopatra set the stage for women and men alike today. Not only was she the leader of the most powerful country in the Nile region, but she was also a trendsetter. Even though the pyrite in lapis lazuli was toxic and was most definitely ruining her eyesight on a daily basis, Cleopatra didn't care. She wanted people to remember her as the best dressed Queen of Ancient Egyptian high school so she smeared that toxic blue powdered stone all over her eyelids. And you know what? She achieved her goal of being remembered as the most beautiful Pharaoh of all time.

The most beautiful, blind Pharaoh.

Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 movie "Cleopatra."

Hundreds of years later, that same blue powder was found in the paintings of a bunch of famous guys I won't bother listing because nobody remembers the name's of old painters when they read blogs. The point is, these painters only used Lapis Lazuli powder for the robes of the Virgin Mary. Because it was such a special stone? Well, sort of, but mostly they rationed it because it was so incredibly expensive. At the time, powdered Lapis Lazuli was worth more than powdered gold! But all artists hoped to work with Lapis Lazuli because the blue of the powder was deep, rich, beautiful, and heavenly.

And toxic.

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer, circa 1665.

Jewelry

Throughout the ages, people were doing more than painting with Lapis Lazuli. They were also creating, selling, and wearing jewelry! Beautiful, blue jewelry that old resources mistook for "sapphire flecked with gold."

Now, unfortunately, it is hard to find Lapis Lazuli that hasn't been commercially altered for higher profits. Lapis (meaning "stone") Lazuli (meaning "blue") can easily be mimicked by the use of Sodalite, Spinel, Dyed Blue Jasper or Dyed Blue Howlite. Sometimes these substances are mixed with real Lapis Lazuli to increase quantity while eliminating cost. However, even if you find a cheap bracelet of Lapis Lazuli that (most probably) is fake, it will (most probably) look amazing, regardless of its fake-ness. The dark blue hues of the stone are truly perfect for jewelry and look great on all skin types.

Antique Trapezoid Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Labradorite and Lapis Vintage Drop Earrings

Healing

Similar to many blue stones, Lapis Lazuli activates the throat chakra and helps you with your communication skills. If you are the kind of person to shy away from an argument or refuse to speak up for yourself, then you have an under-active chakra. The same under-activity is seen in people who suffer from body-image issues and a misunderstanding of their purpose on this Earth. An over-active chakra can be seen easily in someone because they will constantly be speaking out of turn, saying rude things with no filter whatsoever, and do things to try to gain the attention of everyone around them. If either of these people are you, then working with Lapis Lazuli to help balance that throat chakra will be beneficial. Using a certified reiki healer of using the crystal in meditations will slowly bring your chakra back to an even state, allowing you to clearly express you desires without being disrespectful.

Toxicity

"But wait, Stephen, didn't you say Lapis Lazuli was toxic? Why would I want to work with or wear a toxic stone?"

Ah, yes, thank you for that question.

Some stones are toxic. But usually they are toxic in the same way holding a penny (the copper in a penny is toxic) is harmful to you. And, unlike in the days of old where Pharaohs were blinding themselves and artists were most likely inhaling dangerous fumes, we modern-folk have soap. I suggest after wearing toxic stones, like Lapis Lazuli, just wash your hands and wrist. Purely as a precaution. In general, we are cleaner humans than the ones who came before us and will not have to worry as much about crystals and gems hurting us.

That being said, please don't rub it into your eyelids.

- Stephen Butler, CEO

Gemsprite

Stephen Butler, CEO of Gemsprite, not rubbing toxic powder on his eyelids.