Hauyne (var: Lazurite) with Phlogopite

Item Description

These are the finest quality and most well-known examples of Lazurite in the world. They have been known for thousands of years, and the material is blue part of the stone Lapis Lazuli. Despite the fact that Lazurite was a species for a long time, it should be noted that Lazurite is NO LONGER a valid species, as the material is now classified as a variety of Hauyne (specifically a sulfide-rich variety). Still, it is incredibly difficult to find large, attractive, isolated crystals such as this on matrix. This piece features a good sized, fairly sharp, well-formed, dodecahedron of deep royal blue Lazurite measuring 4.2 cm across which is perfectly set on the contrasting marble matrix. To top it off, there is a slight depression in the center of the Lazurite crystal, where a 1.1 cm gemmy golden group of Phlogopite Mica has grown! The piece is not repaired, and the Lazurite crystal is undamaged, though it does have a bit of skeletal or negative growth where it is partially filled with marble matrix. For the size, this is a good crystal, which is important to note as most crystals from this locality end up rather distorted or "lumpy" when they get this size. A wonderful and showy matrix example of this classic and fine quality material from Afghanistan. Originally priced in the inventory at $1,500.