Afghanite (very rare)

Item Description

Afghanite is the namesake species for the country in which it was discovered. The first crystals were found in Ladjuar Medam, which is the same area where the famous Lazurite/Lapis material has been mined for centuries in Afghanistan. Chemically, it is a rare tectosilicate, and only known from a handful of localities around the world, but the only pieces of note, (including GEM QUALITY material) are found in Afghanistan. Typically, Afghanite is found in dark blue and white crystals, which are almost always opaque or barely translucent. Recently (2018) a discovery was made of SUPERB quality gem material, and we were able to get some from a good friend overseas. This stone is one of the best examples of faceted gem grade Afghanite that we've had to offer. It has an "Emerald" cut with very slight inclusions, but perhaps the most intriguing part is that it shows a glowing sky / sapphire blue color that is not often associated with the species. 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.