Afghanite (fine rare crystal)

Item Description

Afghanite is a rare complex alumosilicate / feldspathoid mineral, which truly is found in part of the world in fine crystals of any substance/size. Here we have a beautiful large miniature / small cabinet sized piece from Ladjuar Medam, Afghanistan (the type locality for Afghanite), very close the area of the classic Lapis/Lazurite mines. It is notably rare to find in fine quality display matrix specimens of this material, and the only significant pieces are those from Ladjuar Medam. This specimen hosts a good sized, well-formed, hexagonal crystal of Afghanite measuring 3.1 cm on massive soft yellow colored Calcite matrix. The color of the Afghanite is a deep Sapphire blue, with a slight white color on the front portion (possibly alteration?). With VERY strong backlighting, you can see that it's actually GEMMY inside! No damage that I can see, and the piece sits nicely on its own without the aid of a base or clay for easy display. A lovely and showy specimen of a species that is only found in fine sized specimens from one part of the world. Valued $1,950.
Ex Brian Kosnar - Mineral Classics Specimen