Afghanite (rare and fine quality)

Item Description

Afghanite is not only rare in nature, but gem quality material is virtually impossible to find. This rare tektosilicate species has been found in only a handful of localities around the world, and the only pieces of note, (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. Afghanite is found in dark blue and white crystals, which are typically opaque or barely translucent, but recently (2018) a very impressive discovery was made, yielding incredibly rare 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 "Step Cushion" cut with nearly eye clean clarity but perhaps the most intriguing part is that it shows a lovely sky blue color that is not often associated with Afghanite. This stone 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.