Lapis Lazuli slab, Sar-e-sang — 64 g polished rectangle

Description

This is a polished rectangular lapis lazuli slab showing a strong deep blue ground with lighter white–grey banding and mottling and scattered darker specks and flecks across smooth flat faces with beveled edges. The surface has a slight gloss from polishing and the piece is overall opaque. The slab measures 4.2 × 3.6 × 3.0 cm and weighs 64 g. Edges are beveled and the faces are smoothly polished, revealing the internal banding and mottled texture typical of lapis material. is noted on the polished surfaces. Lapis lazuli is a rock largely recognised for its blue mineral content and is commonly used in polished slabs and ornamental pieces; Sar-e-sang in Afghanistan is a well-known source for lapis material in general terms.