Lapis Lazuli sphere, 1.5 cm (calibrated)

The sphere is a symbol of the universe. It has no beginning and no end, no top and no bottom. The sphere embodies absolute harmony and stands for peace, balance and spiritual wholeness. Representations of the sphere appear in many variations throughout the cultural history of mankind - from the orb as a symbol of worldly power to the symbol of the sphere in tarot as a sign of unity.

Size of the undrilled Lapis Lazuli gemstone beads: 15mm (calibrated)

Stone type: Lapis lazuli

The name Lapis Lazuli is derived from the Latin terms "Lapis" (stone) and lazulum (blue). Alternative spellings such as lapizlazuli, lapis lazuli or lapizlazulli are incorrect. Due to the long reputation of lapis lazuli, there are numerous synonyms. These include Azur d'Acre, Azurum Ultramarinum, Bleu d'Azur, Lapis Lazuli ultramarine, Lasurstein/Lazustein, Lazurium, Oltremare, Oriental blue, Outremer lapis, Pierre d'azur, Ultramarine genuine, Ultramar ino/verdadero, Ultramarine natural scythium. Lapis Lazuli was used in the death masks of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt; this is why the dark blue stone is also known as the pharaoh's stone.