Lapis Lazuli from Afganistan (270 grams)

SIZE: 3 x 2 x 2-inch

WEIGHT: 270 grams

Lapis lazuli is a deep blue gemstone that has been highly valued for thousands of years for its beauty and rarity. Afghanistan is one of the world's leading sources of high-quality lapis lazuli, and it has been mined there for over 6,000 years.

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of the minerals lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It is usually found in small to medium-sized veins or nodules within other rocks, and can be quite difficult to extract due to its hardness and tendency to break apart.

Afghanistan produces some of the highest-quality lapis lazuli in the world, with a deep blue color that is often streaked with veins of white calcite and specks of golden pyrite. These colors are highly prized by gemstone collectors and lapidaries, who use the stone to create a wide range of jewelry and decorative objects.

In addition to its beauty, lapis lazuli has been valued for its cultural and spiritual significance throughout history. It has been used in many cultures as a symbol of royalty, power, and wisdom, and was often used to create important religious artifacts such as statues, amulets, and talismans.

Today, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan is still highly sought after by collectors and jewelry makers around the world. Its unique color and history make it a valuable and fascinating gemstone that continues to captivate people's imaginations.