Lazurite with Pyrite

Item Description

A well-formed, euhedral crystal of Lazurite from the TYPE LOCALITY at Sar-E-Sang in Afghanistan, that is also the source of the rough lapis lazuli caving material (the Stone of Kings) used in Biblical times throughout the ancient world, particularly Egypt. These royal blue crystals are instantly recognizable, and this very attractive, 2.4 cm crystal, with some Pyrite for accent, is an outstanding example for Sar-E-Sang. The prep work on this specimen was excellent, as the Lazurite crystal presents very nicely on the marble matrix. Obviously, this region is not exactly conducive to specimen mining right now and these have really dried up on the market over the last few years...and this is a GOOD miniature! Valued $1000-1200. NOTE: Some people are starting to consider these as not a valid species, but as a varietal of Hauyne - still, this is what they have been labelled as for my entire life, and as specimens this is what I think of them as, while the science is pending.