208g Lazurite ps. Phlogopite on Calcite with Pyrite | Afghanistan
This is a single mineral specimen has lazurite crystals that have pseudomorphed after phlogopite, set on a white calcite matrix with associated pyrite. The piece is mined in Ladjuar Medam, Sar-e-Sang in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Specimen Details Mineral: Lazurite (pseudomorph after Phlogopite) on Calcite Formula: Na7Ca(Al6Si6O24)(SO4)(S3)−•H2O Associated Minerals: Pyrite (golden metallic patches visible on matrix) Locality: Ladjuar Medam, Sar-e-Sang, Kuran wa Munjan District, Badakhshan, Afghanistan Weight: 208 grams Dimensions: 75mm × 45mm × 45mm Crystal Habit: Isometric crystal clusters, rough-textured Color: Navy blue (lazurite) on white calcite matrix with golden pyrite Condition: Fair (F) — natural field specimen Treatment: 100% Natural, Earthly Mined — No treatments applied Visual Description The specimen has dense clusters of deep navy-blue lazurite crystals distributed across a white calcite matrix. Patches of golden pyrite are on the lower portion of the matrix, creating a three-color contrast — navy, white, and gold — that is characteristic of high-quality Sar-e-Sang material. The lazurite crystals are isometric in habit and retain their natural rough texture as extracted from the host rock. About Lazurite Lazurite is a tectosilicate mineral of the sodalite group with an isometric crystal system. It is the primary blue mineral component of lapis lazuli — the rock that has been mined at Sar-e-Sang for over 6,000 years. Lazurite pseudomorphs after phlogopite (a magnesium mica) are a documented occurrence at this locality, where the original mica crystal shape is preserved but the mineral composition has been replaced by lazurite during metamorphic processes. The blue color results from sulfur radical anions (S₃⁻) trapped within the aluminosilicate framework. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between lazurite and lapis lazuli? Lazurite is a single mineral; lapis lazuli is a rock composed primarily of lazurite along with calcite, pyrite, and other minerals. This specimen contains lazurite crystals on a calcite matrix — it is a mineral specimen, not a polished lapis lazuli rock. Q: What does "pseudomorph after phlogopite" mean in a mineral specimen? It means the original phlogopite (mica) crystal was replaced by lazurite during metamorphism, preserving the external shape of the mica while the internal mineral composition changed entirely to lazurite. Q: Is this specimen treated or enhanced in any way? No. This specimen is 100% natural and earthly mined with no treatments, coatings, or enhancements of any kind applied.