Afghanite (rare)

Item Description

Afghanite is a rare Feldspathoid / Tectosilicate species, only found in once place in the world in fine crystals of any substance/size. This large miniature / small cabinet sized 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 this area. Afghanite is a complex alumosilicate, and one of the more obscure members of the Cancrinite group. This specimen hosts a good sized, well-formed, hexagonal crystal of Afghanite measuring 4.5 cm on massive soft yellow colored Calcite matrix. There is a slight coating of reflective Mica (likely Phlogopite) than can be seen on the surface of the Afghanite for a nice touch. The color of the Afghanite is a deep Sapphire blue shade throughout. 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.