Blue gemstones have always carried a special charm, evoking mystery, wisdom, and royalty. Among the most admired are Blue Sapphire (Neelam) and Lapis Lazuli (Lajward). While both stones share a deep, captivating blue hue, they are entirely different in terms of origin, composition, benefits, and astrological significance.
Many people mistake one for the other due to their similar appearance, but wearing the wrong stone can bring disappointment, or even harm, if chosen for astrological purposes. In this detailed blog, we will explore Blue Sapphire vs Lapis Lazuli, uncovering their differences in color, physical properties, healing powers, and astrological roles. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to tell them apart and which stone might suit you best.
What is Blue Sapphire?
Blue Sapphire, known as Neelam Stone in Hindi, is one of the most powerful and precious gemstones in Vedic astrology. It belongs to the corundum mineral family and is ruled by the planet Saturn (Shani).
- Appearance: Deep royal blue to violet-blue, with striking transparency and brilliance.
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamond).
- Astrological Association: Enhances discipline, focus, and prosperity.
- Sources: Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Kashmir, Myanmar, and Madagascar.
Blue Sapphire is known for its instant effects in astrology—both positive and negative—making it a stone that must be worn only under expert guidance.
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli, called Lajward in Hindi and Urdu, is an ancient semi-precious gemstone admired for its rich royal blue color, often speckled with golden pyrite. Unlike Blue Sapphire, it is not a single mineral but a combination of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite.
- Appearance: Deep azure blue with golden or white streaks.
- Hardness: 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale (softer and less durable than sapphire).
- Astrological Association: Linked with planet Saturn (Shani) and sometimes Jupiter (Guru) in different traditions.
- Sources: Afghanistan (notably Badakhshan mines), Chile, and Russia.
Lapis Lazuli has been revered since ancient civilizations, from Egyptian pharaohs to Mesopotamian kings, as a stone of wisdom, truth, and spiritual growth.
Blue Sapphire vs Lapis Lazuli: Major Differences
|
Feature |
Blue Sapphire (Neelam) |
Lapis Lazuli (Lajward) |
|
Type |
Precious gemstone |
Semi-precious stone |
|
Composition |
Corundum (aluminum oxide) |
Mix of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite |
|
Hardness |
9 (very durable) |
5–5.5 (softer, scratches easily) |
|
Color |
Transparent deep blue, violet-blue |
Opaque deep blue with golden flecks |
|
Planet |
Saturn (Shani) |
Saturn (Shani) and sometimes Jupiter |
|
Origin |
Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar |
Afghanistan, Chile, Russia |
|
Astrological Impact |
Immediate, intense—can bring huge success or sudden downfall |
Gentle, stabilizing, promotes wisdom |
|
Price Range |
Very expensive (₹15,000 – ₹10,00,000 per carat depending on origin) |
Affordable (₹300 – ₹5,000 per carat) |
Astrological Benefits of Blue Sapphire
Blue Sapphire is one of the most feared yet revered gemstones in astrology. When Saturn is favorable, it can change a person’s life dramatically.
- Brings wealth, success, and fame very quickly.
- Enhances discipline, focus, and determination.
- Protects from accidents, enemies, and evil energies.
- Speeds up progress in career and business.
However, if Saturn is unfavorable in your horoscope, Blue Sapphire can bring misfortune, delays, and hardships. That’s why it should only be worn after a proper consultation with a qualified astrologer.
Astrological Benefits of Lapis Lazuli
Unlike Blue Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli has a gentle, calming energy. It is considered safe for almost everyone, regardless of astrological conditions.
- Improves communication skills and self-expression.
- Enhances creativity, wisdom, and decision-making.
- Provides mental peace and reduces anxiety.
- Strengthens relationships and emotional stability.
- Protects from negative influences and psychic attacks.
Because it is less intense than Blue Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli is often recommended for those who want the benefits of Saturn without the risk of strong negative effects.
Health benefits of Blue Sapphire
In addition to the astrological benefits, the blue sapphire gemstone is also famous for its amazing health benefits. Some of the major health benefits of blue sapphire gemstone are listed below:
- Boosts mental clarity and sharpens focus.
- Helps with bone, joint, and nervous system disorders.
- Believed to improve digestion and immunity.
- Provides relief from depression when Saturn is supportive.
Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties:
The important health benefits of wearing an original lapis lazuli gemstone are listed below:
- Balances the throat chakra, enhancing speech and communication.
- Helps reduce stress, insomnia, and anxiety.
- Strengthens the respiratory and immune systems.
- Encourages emotional healing and spiritual growth.
How to Identify the Difference Between Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
Since both stones are blue, many sellers misrepresent Lapis Lazuli as Blue Sapphire to unsuspecting buyers. Here’s how you can distinguish them:
- Transparency: Blue Sapphire is transparent or translucent, while Lapis Lazuli is opaque.
- Inclusions: Lapis often has golden specks (pyrite) or white streaks (calcite). Blue Sapphire rarely has such patterns.
- Hardness Test: Sapphire can easily scratch glass (hardness 9), while Lapis (hardness 5) cannot.
- Price: If it’s too cheap, it’s not a genuine Blue Sapphire.
Price Comparison
There is a big difference in the prices of the blue sapphire and the lapis lazuli gemstone. Below we have mentioned the price of both stones. It should be noted that the prices of the gemstones may differ based on their origins, cut, clarity, and carat weight:
- Blue Sapphire Price: Ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹10,00,000+ per carat, depending on clarity, origin, and color. The most expensive are Kashmir sapphires due to their velvety blue shade.
- Lapis Lazuli Price: Much more affordable, ranging from ₹300 to ₹5,000 per carat, depending on purity and richness of color.
Who Should Wear Blue Sapphire?
Below, we made a list of the people who should wear blue sapphire:
- People witha favorable Saturn (Shani) in their horoscope.
- Natives of Capricorn and Aquarius zodiac signs (with astrological confirmation).
- Those in fields requiring focus, authority, and discipline—like law, politics, finance, or leadership roles.
Who Should Wear Lapis Lazuli?
Below, we have made a list of people who should wear a lapis lazuli gemstone:
- Anyone seeking mental peace, wisdom, or spiritual growth.
- Artists, writers, healers, and teachers.
- Those struggling with communication issues or stress.
- People who want a safe alternative to Blue Sapphire without risk
Final Thoughts
Both Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli are powerful blue gemstones, but their differences are vast. Blue Sapphire is a precious, high-energy gemstone linked to Saturn, capable of transforming lives instantly, for better or worse. Lapis Lazuli, on the other hand, is a semi-precious, gentle stone that brings wisdom, peace, and balance, making it safe for almost everyone.
If you are drawn to the brilliance, discipline, and rapid effects of Saturn, Blue Sapphire may be your stone—but only after expert consultation. If you seek wisdom, harmony, and emotional healing, Lapis Lazuli can be your lifelong companion. In the end, both stones shine in their own unique way, offering guidance and support on the journey of life. If you are looking to buy a certified blue sapphire and lapis lazuli gemstone then look no further than RashiRatanBhagya.Com, which is India’s leading gemstone and rudraksha selling company.
