Hauyne (var: Lazurite) (ex Franceso Bedogne Collection)

Sar-e-Sang, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
Small Cabinet, 8.0 x 5.7 x 5.1 cm
Start Time: 05/24/2018 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/05/2018 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

A pretty sharp and well-formed, dodecahedron of deep royal blue Lazurite sits atop a contrasting white marble matrix. It should be noted that Lazurite / Lapiz Lazuli is NO LONGER a species, and is now classified as a variety of Hauyne. This material was long defined as its own species, but reclassification has left this well known material as being discredited. With that said, good crystals are very difficult to find and the material is typically used for cabochons and carving in its massive form. Rarely are sharp crystals found, and the majority of them tend to be rather lumpy, and rounded with a somewhat "melted" look, so this one is certainy better than most in terms of sharpness. The crystal measures 2.5 cm across. For the quality, size of the crystal and overall aesthetics, this is certainly a worthwhile Lazurite from this most historic of localities. Virtually undamaged, and good quality for the species. From the worldwide collection of famed Italian mineral collector, field collector and author, Francesco Bedogne of Sondrio, Italy (Collection #337). Bedogne wrote dozens of articles and several books about the mineralogy of Italian Alpine localities such as Val Bregaglia, Val Masino, Val Codera, Val Spluga, Valtellina and the famous Val Malenco. He was also the founder of the Valtellinese Mineralogical Institute.

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