While sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September, lapis lazuli offers a mesmerising alternative for those drawn to deep celestial beauty and ancient symbolism. With its intense royal blue tones often flecked with golden pyrite, lapis radiates wisdom, truth, and inner peace, making it a meaningful and striking gift for September-born souls. It’s also closely connected with the zodiac signs Virgo and Libra, which span the month, adding another layer of personal resonance.

Lapis lazuli is one of the most storied gemstones in history, revered for millennia for its deep celestial beauty, rarity, and timeless symbolism. Its name comes from the Latin lapis, meaning “stone”, and the Persian lazaward, meaning “blue,” a fitting tribute to its mesmerising ultramarine hues.

This extraordinary stone has adorned the treasures of ancient civilisations, from Mesopotamian amulets to Egyptian pharaohs’ burial masks. In fact, Cleopatra was said to have used powdered lapis as eyeshadow, while Renaissance artists ground it into pigment to create the brilliant ultramarine seen in masterpieces. Across cultures, lapis was cherished as a symbol of wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight, believed to connect the wearer with divine realms and protect against negativity.

Unlike sapphire, lapis lazuli is not a single mineral but a rock composed primarily of lazurite, often sprinkled with golden pyrite and streaks of white calcite, creating a miniature cosmos within each stone. Found in places such as Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia, it has captivated artisans and seekers alike for thousands of years. Today, lapis continues to inspire with its aura of serenity, clarity, and strength, while carrying forward the legacy of its mystical and royal past.

More than just a captivating gemstone, lapis lazuli has long been revered as a Stone of Wisdom and Truth. Associated with clarity, insight, and spiritual growth, it’s believed to awaken the mind, encourage honest communication, and strengthen inner vision. Its celestial beauty and calming presence have made it a treasured companion for those seeking peace, authenticity, and higher awareness.

Emotional and Mental Properties

Lapis lazuli is said to nurture self-expression, deepen intuition, and bring mental clarity during times of uncertainty. Known as a stone of truth, it encourages openness and honesty both with oneself and with others. Many believe it helps release confusion and emotional blockages, replacing them with calm understanding and a greater sense of purpose. For those navigating life transitions, lapis offers steady, guiding energy and a reminder of inner wisdom.

Physical and Energetic Properties

In holistic traditions, lapis is associated with the throat and third-eye chakras, supporting clear communication and heightened awareness. It is thought to ease stress, calm the nervous system, and promote restful sleep, making it a stone of balance and inner harmony. Its serene energy is also linked with spiritual protection, helping wearers feel centred, resilient, and attuned to their higher self.

While sapphire remains the classic September birthstone, lapis lazuli offers a soulful and timeless alternative for birthday gifting. With its deep celestial blue often flecked with golden pyrite, lapis reflects the quiet strength and introspective beauty of early autumn, a season of wisdom, transition, and renewal.

For Virgos, lapis encourages clarity, communication, and self-expression, supporting their thoughtful and analytical nature with deeper intuition. For Libras, it brings balance, harmony, and honesty, helping them navigate relationships with openness and grace. Whether set in a pendant, ring, or pair of earrings, lapis lazuli carries an energy of truth, serenity, and inner power, a gemstone as meaningful and radiant as those born in September.