Afghanite (fine crystals)

Item Description

Afghanite is a rare species, and fine crystals of any substance/size come from one area in the world. This piece is from Ladjuar Medam, Afghanistan, near the area of the classic Lapis/Lazurite mines. It is notably rare to find in fine quality display specimens of this material, and the only significant pieces are those from Afghanite is a rare complex alumosilicate, and one of the more obscure members of the Cancrinite group. This specimen hosts a few sharp, well-formed, lustrous, hexagonal crystals of Afghanite measuring up to 2.2 cm on massive white Calcite matrix. When backlit, the crystals show a bit of translucency with a rich Sapphire blue color. The two main crystals are in fine shape, but the right edge of the lower crystal is not complete where it was separated from the pocket wall. The piece sits nicely on its own without the aid of a base or clay. A very good display specimen of a species that is only found in good sized specimens from one part of the world. Valued $1,500.