Blue Lazurite (Lapis Lazuli) Mineral Specimen – Afghanistan | 384g

This is a 384-gram Lazurite mineral specimen on natural calcite-marble matrix. This specimen has sourced from Afghanistan. The primary display face is densely covered with vivid royal-to-ultramarine blue Lazurite crystals in their characteristic cubic isometric habit, tightly intergrown with white Sodalite. Natural iron oxide is visible in the crystal pockets, consistent with authentic Afghan material. The reverse face exposes the cream-beige calcite host with brown veining, confirming the specimen is fully on matrix with no reconstruction or repositioning. Specimen Details Stones: Lazurite (Lapis Lazuli) & Sodalite Origin: Afghanistan Weight: 384 Grams Dimensions: 105 × 65 × 32 mm Crystal System: Cubic / Isometric Color: Royal Blue to Ultramarine Blue Presentation: On Matrix (Natural Calcite-Marble Host) Condition: Good (G) — Primary crystals intact, display-ready Treatments: None — 100% Natural, Earthly Mined Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between Lazurite and Lapis Lazuli? Lazurite is the primary blue mineral component (a sulfur-bearing feldspathoid) that gives Lapis Lazuli its color. Lapis Lazuli is the rock — a mixture of Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite, and sometimes Pyrite. Q: How can I tell if a Lapis Lazuli or Lazurite specimen is natural and untreated? Natural, untreated specimens show uneven color distribution, visible matrix host rock, and natural iron oxide spotting — unlike dyed or stabilized material, which tends to have uniform, flat color with no matrix variation. Q: Why is Afghan Lazurite considered the finest in the world? The Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan, Afghanistan have produced Lazurite for over 6,000 years and are still regarded as the benchmark for depth of blue color and crystal quality. No other known deposit consistently matches the saturation and crystal habit of Afghan material.