Afghanite (fine crystals)

Item Description

Afghanite is a rare species, but despite its rarity, it is found in good sized attractive crystals. With that said, fine crystals of any substance/size only 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. 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, hexagonal crystals of Afghanite measuring up to 3.9 cm on massive white Calcite matrix with associated Pyrite. When backlit, the crystals show a TINY bit of translucency on the edges with a rich Sapphire blue color. The main crystal is in good shape on the front, but the back 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 due to the fact that it has been sawn. A very good display specimen of a species that is only found in good sized specimens from place in the world. Valued $1,500.