112g Lazurite Crystal on White Calcite Marble Matrix — Fine Mineral Specimen, Afghanistan

This specimen has a well-formed Lazurite crystal in deep navy-to-indigo blue, naturally seated on a pale white marble matrix. The crystal has a blocky, near-cubic habit with a slightly rough surface texture and a subtle submetallic to waxy luster visible across its faces. Smaller secondary Lazurite crystals are scattered at the base of the matrix. Specimen Details Mineral: Lazurite (primary component of Lapis Lazuli) Stone Name: Lazurite / Lapis Lazuli Dimensions: 70 × 50 × 30 mm Weight: 112 grams Color: Navy Blue to Blue Matrix: White Marble (Calcite) Presentation: On matrix — crystal intact on natural host rock Condition: Good (G) — natural surface, no repairs Origin Ladjuar Medam (Lajur Madan), Sar-e-Sang, Kuran wa Munjan District, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. This locality is the world's most historically significant source of Lapis Lazuli and Lazurite crystals, mined continuously for over 6,000 years. Treatment & Authenticity 100% Natural — Earthly Mined. No treatments, coatings, or enhancements of any kind. Genuine mineral specimen. Classification Category: Fine Mineral Specimens Gem Type: Natural Gemstone · Semi-Precious · Rare Gems & Minerals Product Use: Collectible / Numismatic Rarity: Rare Birthstone: September Deal Type: Single Specimen Frequently Asked Questions How does Lazurite differ from Haüyne or Sodalite? All three belong to the sodalite mineral group and share a similar cubic crystal structure, but differ in chemical composition — Lazurite contains sulfur, giving it the intense blue color. Haüyne and Sodalite are typically lighter blue or grey and lack the deep navy saturation that makes Lazurite the defining mineral of Lapis Lazuli. What is Lazurite's connection to Lapis Lazuli? Lazurite is the blue mineral responsible for Lapis Lazuli's color, typically comprising 25–40% of the rock by volume. The remaining material is a mix of white Calcite and gold-flecked Pyrite — this specimen shows that exact relationship, with Lazurite crystals growing directly on a white Calcite matrix. How is Lazurite formed? Lazurite forms through contact metamorphism, when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure from nearby igneous intrusions. The process introduces sulfur-bearing fluids that react with the calcium-rich rock, crystallizing Lazurite within the marble — exactly the geological setting at Sar-e-Sang, Afghanistan. How do you turn Lazurite into Lapis Lazuli pigment? Raw Lapis Lazuli rock (containing Lazurite) is ground, then processed through a traditional levigation method — mixing the powder with wax, resin, and lye to separate the pure Lazurite pigment (ultramarine) from the Calcite and Pyrite. This process was used for centuries to produce the prized blue pigment found in Renaissance paintings.