Afghanite (rare and excellent)

Item Description

Afghanite is a rare tektosilicate mineral that is known from only a handful of localities around the world. The only significant examples (including GEM material) are found in Afghanistan. The material from Ladjuar Medam forms in the same area where the famous Lazurite has been mined for centuries. Mining in this area actually goes back a few millennia. Afghanite is found in dark blue and white crystals, which are typically opaque or barely translucent, but recently (2018) a discovery was made of superb quality gem material. This stone is one of the best examples of faceted gem grade Afghanite that we've had to offer. It has a "Cushion" cut with very very slight inclusion, but perhaps the most intriguing part is that it shows a glowing sky blue color that is not often associated with Afghanite. This piece along with several others from the recent mining efforts have been analyzed and confirmed as Afghanite by several laboratories around the world. If you collect rarities, this is a great opportunity to not only pick up something that's rare, but also incredibly beautiful and colorful. One rarely sees Afghanite stones on the market these, and considering there is only one locality for gem material in the world, you won't see it forever.