Why Hidden Self No Longer Sells Lapis Lazuli
At Hidden Self, every crystal we offer is chosen not only for its beauty and energetic resonance, but for the story it carries - from the earth it emerged from to the hands that shaped it. We believe in sourcing with soul, and that means being honest about the shadows that sometimes cling to even the most luminous stones.
One such stone is lapis lazuli - the deep celestial blue gem cherished by priestesses, pharaohs, and poets for millennia. Associated with truth, vision, and divine wisdom, lapis has long held a sacred place in ritual and adornment. But in recent years, its earthly origins have become entangled in conflict.
⚠️ The Hidden Cost of Lapis
Much of the world’s lapis lazuli is mined in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, a region rich in mineral wealth but plagued by instability. Investigations by human rights organisations have revealed that lapis mining has become a major source of funding for armed groups, including the Taliban. In some years, it’s estimated that millions of dollars have flowed from lapis sales into the hands of those perpetuating violence and oppression.
This reality casts a long shadow over the stone’s legacy. What was once a symbol of truth and enlightenment has, in some cases, become a currency of conflict.
🛑 Our Ethical Stand
For this reason, Hidden Self made the decision many years ago to cease sourcing lapis lazuli - unless it was purchased directly by our founders over a decade ago, before these supply chain concerns came to light. Any lapis you may find in our archives or legacy collections is part of that early, ethically vetted stock.
We do not purchase new lapis from Afghanistan, and we do not work with suppliers who cannot guarantee conflict-free sourcing. This is not merely a business decision - it is a ritual vow. We believe that the energy of a crystal is shaped not only by its mineral composition, but by the integrity of its journey.
✨ Truth in Practice
Lapis lazuli teaches us to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It reminds us that wisdom must be grounded in justice. By choosing not to sell newly sourced lapis, we honour the deeper teachings of the stone itself - and invite our community to align their spiritual practice with conscious action.
If you’re seeking the energy of lapis, we’re happy to guide you towards ethically sourced alternatives - such as sodalite or blue kyanite - each carrying its own unique vibration of clarity, intuition, and cosmic connection.
Thank you for walking this path with us. May your rituals be radiant, your choices intentional, and your truth ever luminous.
With love and integrity, The Hidden Self Team