Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire: What Are They and What's the Difference?

Both Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire are beautiful blue-colored stones.

However, there are many differences between the two, including their composition and where the gems can be found.

Keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire.

Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire (EXPLAINED)

What is Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis lazuli is a rock made up of several minerals: lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.

The lazurite gives lapis lazuli its beautiful blue coloring, while the calcite and pyrite give it gold flecks and white veins or swirls.

Lapis lazuli is one of the oldest known gemstones in existence.

It can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times, where it was frequently used for amulets, ornaments and talismans, such as scarabs.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, lapis lazuli was ground up into ultramarine, which is one of the finest and most expensive pigments available.

Artists would then use it for their paintings. Lapis lazuli is often found as tumbled gemstones and in pieces of jewelry.

It is a fairly rare gemstone and because of that, it is generally more expensive than more common gemstones.

How Is Lapis Lazuli Identified?

Lapis lazuli can be identified by its blue color and gold flecks and white streaks.

It is opaque and will remain cool to the touch even when held for a period of time.

Where is Lapis Lazuli Found?

Lapis lazuli is mined in a few places around the world, including:

Afghanistan
Chile
Siberia
Myanmar
United States

What is Lapis Lazuli used for?

Lapis lazuli is often used for jewelry.

It is also commonly found as tumbling rocks in new age and metaphysical stores or online.

What are the metaphysical properties and uses of Lapis Lazuli?

Lapis Lazuli is believed to hold many healing and spiritual properties and uses by the metaphysical and new age community.

We will explore these perceived uses and benefits below:

Perceived Healing Properties:

While none of these are medically proven, lapis lazuli is believed by many to boost the immune system.

It is also believed to reduce insomnia, ease inflammation, help in relieving depression and aid in combating vertigo.

Lapis lazuli is also considered beneficial for clearing the throat and the thyroid and for soothing respiratory issues.

Perceived Spiritual Benefits:

Lapis lazuli is said to relieve anger, negative thoughts, and to calm the senses.

It is considered to be a stone that protects against anxiety and psychic attacks.

Lapis lazuli promotes clarity and objectivity for the user.

Lapis lazuli is known to help people be more aware and express their true feelings, as well as promoting tranquility and self-confidence.

What is Sapphire?

Sapphires are a precious gemstone.

They are a variety of the mineral corundum.

It is composed of aluminum oxide and trace amounts of iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium and magnesium.

It is one of the most popular gemstones and is widely used in jewelry.

It is a remarkably hard gemstone, a 9 on the Mohs scale.

How Is Sapphire Identified?

Sapphires do come in a variety of colors, but the most common are typically a deep blue in color.

Sapphires usually have small flaws and inclusions.

Where is Sapphire Found?

Sapphires can be found all over the world and there are significant deposits of the gem in these locations:

Afganistan
Australia
Cambodia
Cameroon
China

Colombia
Ethiopia
India
Kenya
Laos

Madagascar
Malawi
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nigeria

Rwanda
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Thailand
United States of America
Vietnam

What is Sapphire Used for?

Sapphires have been used for centuries by people.

They are commonly used for jewelry and they are often closely associated with royalty.

Royalty would routinely wear sapphires because they believed the stone attracted wealth and also protected them from envy and infidelity.

They’ve also been historically used for alchemy, healing rituals and astrological predictions.

What are the metaphysical properties and uses of Sapphire?

Sapphires are believed to hold many healing and spiritual properties and is used heavily by the metaphysical and new age community.

We will explore these perceived uses and benefits below.

Perceived Healing Properties:

While none of these are medically proven, sapphire is believed to heal the body and ease insomnia.

It has long been used to cure eye infections and improve eyesight.

Blue sapphire is also used to alleviate headaches, fevers, and nosebleeds.

It is thought to help with the ears, especially for hearing, improving infections or inner-ear imbalances.

Sapphires are also beneficial to the nervous system and is helpful for swollen glands.

Sapphires have been used to treat disorders of the blood as well as degenerative diseases, dementia and speech problems.

Perceived Spiritual Benefits:

Sapphire releases depression and works as a mood lightener.

It brings focus and calm and helps the user communicate their thoughts to others effectively.

Sapphire is believed to open communication with other planes and to stimulate psychic visions and extrasensory perceptions.

Many users employ it to bring them wisdom and guidance in negative or difficult situations.

Many consider it useful for trying to enhance hypnosis and for past-life studies, it is used to help people remember past lives and the lessons those lifetimes provided.

Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire: What are the differences?

Their physical composition is completely different since they are made of different elements.

Their uses for spiritual and healing purposes are widely varied.

Sapphire is plentiful and mined in a great many places, whereas Lapis Lazuli is a much rarer stone that can be found in fewer locations.

Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire: What are the similarities?

Both lapis lazuli and sapphire are blue in color and they are both used in jewelry.

That is the extent of the similarities.

Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire: Why do people confuse the two gems?

These gems are only confused because of their use in jewelry and the similarity of their blue color.

Now that we have explored lapis lazuli vs sapphire in great depth, share your impressive facts with your friends.

Better yet, go check out these beauties in person!