Hauyne (var Lazurite) (Lapis) (ex Dr. Miguel Romero Collection)

Sar-e-Sang, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
Small Cabinet, 7.8 x 5.5 x 2.6 cm
Start Time: 05/26/2017 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/06/2017 6:34:49 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Several pretty sharp and well-formed, dodecahedra of deep royal blue Lazurite sits atop a contrasting white marble matrix. It should be noted that Lazurite is probably no longer going to be a species, according to Tom Moore and Rob Woodside (see Mineralogical Record 45 #3: 281-336), all of Lazurite that has been analyzed turns out to be a sulfide rich variety of Hauyne. This material was long defined as its own species, but reclassification is needed and this well known material will probably be discredited. With that said, good crystals are very difficult to find and is typically used for cabochons and carving in its massive form (it's one of the components of Lapis Lazuli). Rarely are sharp crystals found, and the majority of them tend to be rather lumpy, and rounded with a somewhat "melted" look. The largest crystal on this specimen measures 3.7 cm across, and is accompanied by a few accessory crystals. For the quality, size of the main crystal and overall aesthetics, this is certainly a worthwhile Lazurite from this most historic of localities. The main crystals are undamaged, while the periphery is contacted where it was removed from the pocket. Valued at $1200. Please keep in mind that this piece is not from contemporary mining, but came out during a time when these were the finest examples of Lazurite / Lapis in the world, and this one has actually held its own over the years compared to many others I've seen. From the collection of Senator / Dr. Miguel Romero of Teuhuacan, Mexico (Collection #6639). The piece is accompanied by a lucite base from Miguel's personal collection. For more information on this important collection, use the link to this free online copy of our 2008 book on his collection: http://www.irocks.com/e-book-romero/

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