Lapis Bead

Item Description

The world's finest and largest Lapis Lazuli deposit lies in Afghanistan, and is actually one of the oldest operating localities in the world. One report I've seen stated that the mine at Sar-e-Sang has been operation for approximately 7000 years, and has produced thousands of tons of Lapis over that time. Lapis itself is actually a rock which is composed of a few species i.e., Lazurite / Hauyne and Sodalite, plus streaks of Calcite and Pyrite. The most highly sought after Lapis is the material that shows a solid navy blue color without any streaks of white Calcite and only tiny specs of Pyrite showing. Here we have a lovely Lapis bead / ball with a rich navy blue hue and uniform color, making it very desirable. There is a hole drilled through the stone, so it can be strung on a necklace. Fine quality and color, for this classic material.