Lapis Lazuli polished block — Sar-e-sang, 143 g

Description

This is a polished block of lapis lazuli showing a dominant deep blue colour with mottled darker blue and pale blue–grey areas across its flat polished faces. Bevelled edges and an angular, blocky freeform cut give the piece clear planar faces, and scattered metallic-looking golden flecks are visible across the surfaces. The specimen measures 5.5 × 3.8 × 2.0 cm and weighs 143 g. The faces have a glossy polish and the block retains an overall compact, hand-sized form. Origin is Sar-e-sang, Afghanistan. Lapis lazuli is a rock dominated by the blue mineral lazurite and commonly contains accessory materials that produce gold-like flecks and pale patches; this piece shows those characteristic colour contrasts on a polished surface.