Specimen #2513

Name: Lapis Lazuli

Type: Gem

Locality: Sar-e-Sang District, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 15.9 mm x 13.0 mm

Weight: 5.42 ct

Acquired: 2013-08-09

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: N

Comment: The source of the world's finest Lapis Lazuli in the world comes from one of the oldest mines in the world. The mine at Sar-E-Sang has been operation for approximately 7000 years, and has produced thousands of tons of Lapis over the years. 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 soild navy blue color without any streaks of white Calcite and only tiny specs of Pyrite showing. This stone is a very good "Flat Oval Cabochon" cut Lapis gem. It has a rich navy blue hue and the fact that it is so uniform in color makes it very desirable and rather valuable for the material.

Minerals: Lapis lazuli

There is one picture on file

M02513-01.jpg:

Lapis Lazuli - Sar-e-Sang District, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan - 15.9 mm x 13.0 mm