Afghanite (gemmy)

Item Description

A large thumbnail specimen of this beloved material. This complex alumosilicate is one of the more obscure members of the Cancrinite group, especially in fine quality specimens. Typcially Afghanite crystals, no matter how saturated the color may be, are opaque. This specimen hosts a fairly gemmy, good sized, rather sharp, euhedral crystal of Afghanite of a lovely Sapphire blue color (more of a greenish hue when backlit) aesthetically set alongside Calcite matrix. The termination is completely damage free along with the front of the crystal, though it is contacted along with back/bottom. The crystal is sharp for the species, and very good sized. Most Afghanites become distorted and "ugly" when they're much over 1 cm, but this one measures a full 3.1 cm! The obvious gemminess makes it an impactful and impressive example of this beautiful species. Valued at $1250 retail.