Extra Quality Afghan Lapislazzuli Slice - Natural Royal Blu Deep Color - Polished Freeform Specimen - Height: 147 mm - Width: 105 mm- 1048 g - (1)

Polished, finely faceted free-form lapis lazuli, rich in golden inclusions — A magnificent specimen of free-form, polished lapis lazuli presents itself, coming from the historic mines of Afghanistan. This piece, of notable dimensions and weighing over a kilogram, immediately captures attention with its intense, deep blue coloration that evokes the most precious pigments of art history. The surface, expertly worked, offers a sculptural and modern aesthetic, making it a piece of great visual impact. Observing the specimen in detail, one appreciates the superb polish that enhances every chromatic nuance and creates a surface that is almost glassy, smooth to the touch. The dominant color is a true, deep, saturated blue—the quintessence of high-quality lapis lazuli. On this cobalt blue background, a fine, sparkling dispersion of pyrite unfolds. These golden specks and aggregates, akin to stardust, create the iconic effect of a starry night sky. The mineralogical composition is completed by veins and areas of white and grayish Calcite, crossing the surface like luminous brushstrokes, adding dynamism and attesting to the authenticity and complex genesis of the rock. Lapis lazuli is not a single mineral, but a metamorphic rock composed of several minerals. Its unmistakable color is mainly due to the presence of lazurite, a complex silicate. It forms through a contact metamorphism process, typically in crystalline limestones following a magmatic intrusion. The mines of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan, active for over 6,000 years, are the oldest and most famous source in the world for this material, and specimens from this region are considered the benchmark for quality. This piece embodies the typical characteristics of that prestigious origin. Few stones possess such a rich and fascinating history. Since antiquity, lapis lazuli has been regarded as a gem of great value, a symbol of royalty, wisdom, and power. The ancient Egyptians used it extensively for jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects, as evidenced by Tutankhamun’s famous funerary mask. During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli powder was ground to produce the pigment “ultramarine blue,” the most expensive and sought after by the great masters of painting. Owning a specimen like this means safeguarding a fragment of geological and human history. With its organic shape and impeccable finish, this lapis lazuli qualifies as much as a fine mineralogical collecting piece as it does as a sophisticated design element. It is an ideal object to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a library, or a study, where its sculptural presence and vibrant color can be admired. Its generous dimensions and timeless aesthetics make it a focal point in any environment, capable of dialogue with both classic and modern furnishings."}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}} = “{}”}{}{}{}{}{}} متر
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