Lapis Lazuli rectangle — Sar-e-sang, 29 g

Description

This is a polished rectangular lapis lazuli cabochon showing a strong deep blue body punctuated by lighter grey–white mottling and scattered metallic-looking flecks. The piece has flat polished faces with slight beveled edges and an overall opaque appearance. Measures 3.9 × 2.5 × 1.0 cm and weighs 29 g. Origin: Sar-e-sang, Afghanistan. The surface polish is even and the bevelled edges are subtle; there is to the polished faces. Lapis lazuli is a rock dominated by the blue mineral lazurite and commonly contains lighter calcite and metallic sulphide particles, which account for grey–white patches and metallic-looking specks in many specimens.