Lapis Lazuli Japa Mala
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock made mostly of the mineral lazurite, along with flecks of golden pyrite and white calcite, traditionally associated with wisdom and truth. This japa mala strings 108 deep-blue lapis beads, hand-knotted between each one and finished with a soft tassel, made for counting mantras during meditation and prayer.
Quick facts
| Stone | Lapis Lazuli |
| Composition | Metamorphic rock: lazurite + pyrite + calcite |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5–5.5 |
| Color | Deep royal blue with golden pyrite flecks |
| Origin | Afghanistan, Chile, Russia |
| Chakra | Third Eye & Throat |
| Traditionally used for | Wisdom, truth, honest self-expression, inner insight |
| Care / Water-safe | Brief rinse only; avoid long soaks (calcite content) |
Meaning & history
The 108-bead mala has roots in Buddhist and Hindu meditation traditions, used to count repetitions of a mantra without breaking focus. Lapis lazuli itself has been worn since antiquity, associated with wisdom and honest speech, and in crystal tradition is linked to the third eye and throat chakras. Explore more japa malas or other lapis lazuli pieces.
How to use it
Hold the mala in one hand and move your thumb one bead at a time as you repeat a mantra or intention, starting near the tassel and working around the loop. Some people wear it as a long necklace between sessions or drape it over an altar. Because each bead is natural lapis, the tone and pattern vary bead to bead, so your mala will be unique.
Care & cleansing
Wipe beads gently with a soft, dry cloth to keep them polished. Because lapis lazuli contains calcite, avoid soaking the mala or exposing it to harsh cleaners, which can weaken the knotting and dull the beads — a brief rinse only, dried promptly. Many people prefer smoke, sound, or moonlight for energetic cleansing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a japa mala used for?
It is a string of beads, traditionally 108, used to count mantra or prayer repetitions during meditation. This mala is a decorative, symbolic piece, not a health product or medical device.
How many beads does this mala have?
It has the traditional 108 lapis lazuli beads, hand-knotted between each one, plus a tassel.
What chakra is lapis lazuli associated with?
In crystal tradition, it is linked to the third eye and throat chakras, tied to insight and honest expression.
Can I wear this mala in water?
It's best to remove it first — lapis lazuli contains calcite, and the knotted cord can weaken with prolonged water exposure.
Is every mala exactly the same?
No. Each bead is cut from natural lapis lazuli, so the tone and pyrite flecks vary bead to bead.
How do I use a mala for meditation?
Hold it in one hand and advance one bead per mantra repetition with your thumb, moving around the full loop.
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