Hauyne (var: Lazurite) (fine sharp crystal)

Item Description

When it comes to "Lazurite", the finest quality and most well-known examples are those from Afghanistan. This material has been known for thousands of years, and is the blue part of the stone Lapis Lazuli. Typically crystals of "Lazurite" are not much more than a couple centimeters, and they are often rather distorted, rarely showing good crystal form. This particular specimen features a very sharp and notably well-formed crystal of this classic material. The combination of the supreme euhedral form along with the fact that the overall color, quality and size makes this a striking "Lazurite" specimen. The crystal measures 2.7 cm at its longest dimension and not only shows excellent, well-formed, dodecahedral faces (with tiny cubic modifications), but it has that classic deep royal navy blue hue associated with the material. The faces are not at all distorted, like many you'll see from this locality. The piece is not repaired, and the Lazurite crystal is undamaged. The matrix is the typical white marble, creating the gorgeous contrast against the blue "Lazurite". PLEASE NOTE: Despite the fact that Lazurite was a species for a long time, it is NO LONGER a valid species, and the material is now classified as a variety of Hauyne (specifically a sulfide-rich variety). With that said, it is incredibly difficult to find large, attractive, isolated crystals such as this on matrix. A fine and desirable matrix example of this classic and fine quality material from Afghanistan. Valued at $1,200 for the impressive size and quality.