This pendant is made of Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli and Pyrite and hand-wrapped in 13 gauge sterling silver wire.
For over 6,500 years lapis lazuli has represented royalty, wisdom, courage and truth. The Sumerians believed it housed the spirit of gods, and the ancient Egyptians considered it a representation of the night sky. It combines the words lapis (Latin for "stone") and Persian lazhuward (Persian for "blue"). Not a pure mineral, it is a rock made of lazurite, calcite, pyrite, and more. Mined mostly in Afghanistan, lapis has been used in artwork and artifacts since the Middle Ages, including King Tutankhamen's death mask and Cleopatra's eyeshadow. From ground lapis came ultramarine - blue paint in the Middle Ages - used to paint the robes of Mary in the Sistine Chapel. Once thought to ward off evil, lapis lazuli is now believed to balance the brow chakra and promote clarity.
Pyrite Metaphysical Properties. Pyrite has long been valued as a strong protection stone that shields the wearer from negative energy as well as environmental pollutants. Stimulating the second and third chakras, pyrite enhances strength of mind and willpower.
Size: 1 1/4" x 3/4"
Silver chain not included. Shipment includes only pendant shown in pictures.