Afghanite (large crystal)

Item Description

Here we have an impressive full-sized cabinet specimen of Afghanite featuring a large, thick crystal. Afghanite is a rare species, and is only found in one place in the world in fine crystals of any substance/size. This particular piece comes from Ladjuar Medam, Afghanistan, very close 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 Afghanistan. Afghanite is a rare complex alumosilicate, and one of the more obscure members of the Cancrinite group. The main crystal on this sepcimen is a robust, large, sharp, well-formed, hexagonal prism of a saturated navy blue color measuring 6.2 cm with additional smaller Afghanites on massive Calcite matrix. The color varies from a rich blue shade to a lighter blue in areas where the Afghanites are contacted, exposing their interiors. The main crystal is in good shape, with no major damage I can see. A good display specimen of a species that is only found in good sized specimens from one part of the world. Valued $2,000. for size, quality and rarity.