Lazurite (huge crystal)

Item Description

This is obviously a SHOCKINGLY large crystal for the species, of sharp lazurite with a riveting blue color. Lazurite is the mineral collector version of the famous biblical "stone of kings," essentially a crystalline version of the components that make up Lapiz Lazuli. Crystals of size are known ONLY from this ancient marble and mining deposit, that has been worked intermittently for thousands of years. The Lapis from this location provided the dye for ultramarine blue, used in the Middle Ages for illuminated manuscripts and worth more than its weight in gold. Crystals have always, probably, been rare - and only recently appeared in the worldwide mineral market since the 1980s or so. The altitude is high, the conditions rough, the mining season short due to cold weather; and these mines are mostly artisanal and small. That we get any specimens at all is a small miracle. It measures 9 x 7 x 5 cm, reasonably measured - without trying to make the longest dimensions possible at weird angles. This is large, blue on white matrix (marble) and complete all around. It is quite literally a museum piece, and one of the most impressive examples I have seen. Gene Meieran has collected Afghani and Pakistani minerals for 30 years, and built a very important collection of gem crystals but also took time and care (and funds) to purchase and curate a wide selection of the rare species and other important minerals from the region, as it was developed. This is such a piece, from the same collection that has 6 and 7 figure aquamarines and tourmalines, and regarded as equally important within that context. Valued $10k-plus.