Afghan Lapis Lazuli

Blue - Jade

Afghanistan

Item Details

Quarry Location: Sar-i Sang,Badakhshan province in northeast Afghanistan

Recommended Usage: Ornamental stone, mosaic, artifact, jewellery, table tops, water jet pattern, small sculptures

Finishing Surface: Polished,Tumbled,Honed,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Water Jet

Additional Names: Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli, Lapis Lazuli,Afghan Lapis Lazuli

Description:

Afghan Lapis Lazuli, often referred to as just Lapis Lazuli, is a highly prized and revered gemstone that has been treasured for centuries. It is primarily sourced from the mines in Afghanistan, particularly the Sar-e-Sang region, known for producing some of the finest quality Lapis Lazuli in the world.

Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of the mineral lazurite, along with other minerals such as pyrite, calcite, and sodalite. The stone is instantly recognizable for its deep blue color, often described as "royal blue" or "midnight blue." This intense blue hue is highly coveted and has made Lapis Lazuli a sought-after gemstone for jewelry and ornamental purposes throughout history.

One of the most distinctive features of Lapis Lazuli is its golden pyrite inclusions. These pyrite specks, known as "fools gold," create a shimmering effect, adding a touch of sparkle and visual interest to the stone. The combination of the deep blue color and golden pyrite inclusions makes Lapis Lazuli a visually striking and captivating gemstone.

Lapis Lazuli has been treasured by various civilizations and cultures for thousands of years. It has been used in jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects, and holds great cultural and spiritual significance. In ancient times, Lapis Lazuli was highly valued and often associated with royalty and divinity. It was used to create intricate ornaments, amulets, and even crushed into pigments to create vibrant blue dyes for artwork.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Lapis Lazuli is believed to possess metaphysical properties. It is considered a stone of wisdom, truth, and spiritual awareness. It is said to promote inner peace, enhance intuition, and stimulate creativity. Many also believe that Lapis Lazuli has healing properties and can aid in the harmonization of body, mind, and spirit.

The extraction and processing of Lapis Lazuli is a complex and meticulous process. Miners carefully extract the rough stones from the mines, which are then handcrafted into various shapes and sizes by skilled artisans. Lapis Lazuli is used in a wide range of applications, including jewelry such as beads, cabochons, and pendants, as well as decorative objects, sculptures, and inlays.

It's important to note that due to the natural characteristics of Lapis Lazuli, variations in color, pattern, and quality can occur. Each piece of Lapis Lazuli is unique, and its individuality is part of its allure.

In summary, Afghan Lapis Lazuli is a highly valued gemstone sourced from Afghanistan, renowned for its deep blue color and golden pyrite inclusions. It has been treasured for its beauty and spiritual significance throughout history. Lapis Lazuli continues to captivate with its intense color, shimmering appearance, and metaphysical properties, making it a cherished gemstone for both adornment and spiritual connection.

FAQ

What is the average hardness of Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx?

The average hardness of Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx is around 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Is Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx an expensive stone?

I do not have access to the latest market prices. However, Afghan Lapis Lazuli is considered to be a valuable gemstone known for its deep blue color and unique patterns. Its value is determined by factors such as quality, rarity, and origin. Onyx, on the other hand, is a relatively more common stone. Its value depends on its color and quality, but it is generally less expensive compared to lapis lazuli. Overall, the cost of Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx depends on various factors and market conditions and can vary from moderate to expensive.

Can Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx be used indoors?

Yes, Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx can be used indoors for various decorative purposes such as tabletops, countertops, floors, and walls. It is a durable and vibrant stone that can add a touch of luxury to any interior design. However, it is important to note that natural stones like Lapis Lazuli Onyx may require special care and maintenance to preserve their beauty and functionality over time, especially in high traffic areas.

What is the coefficient of friction of Chiseled Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx tiles?

The coefficient of friction of Chiseled Afghanistans Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx tiles cannot be determined without specific testing or manufacturer specifications. The coefficient of friction is a property that varies depending on various factors such as surface texture, finish, and chemical composition. It is best to refer to the manufacturer or supplier for accurate information regarding the coefficient of friction for these specific tiles.

What grade is Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx?

Afghanistans Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx is usually considered to be of the highest grade because it is sourced from the famous Sar-e Sang mine in Afghanistan, which is known for producing some of the finest quality lapis lazuli in the world.

Can Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx be used exterior applications in very sunny climates?

I do not have the specific technical knowledge about the durability and stability of Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx in exterior applications. However, in general, natural stones suitability for exterior use in very sunny climates depends on their resistance to weathering, fading, and discoloration caused by UV radiation. Factors such as the stones durability, porosity, mineral composition, veins, and slabs thickness must be considered. A specialist in natural stone materials and their applications can provide more specific guidance in this regard.

Can Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx be used in landscaping?

Yes, Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx can be used in landscaping. It is a type of gemstone that is known for its deep blue color with streaks of white and gold. It is commonly used for decorative purposes in various landscaping applications. Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx can be incorporated into garden pathways, water features, rock gardens, or as decorative accents in landscaping designs. Its vibrant color and unique patterns can add a beautiful and luxurious touch to outdoor spaces. However, it is important to note that Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx is a precious gemstone and can be expensive, so it may not be practical for large-scale landscaping projects.

Can Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx be used in a living room?

I cannot state personal preferences, but Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx can be used as a decorative stone in a living room. Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx is a stunning stone that can be used as a decorative element in a living room. It is a blue and white stone with unique patterns that make it an eye-catching feature. It can be used for tabletops, countertops, walls, and floors, adding elegance and sophistication to any living room. However, keep in mind that onyx is a delicate stone, and it requires careful handling to avoid any damage or scratches.

Are there color variations of Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx?

No, Afghanistans lapis lazuli is not typically referred to as Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx. Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone known for its deep blue color, often with streaks or veins of gold or white. It does not typically have color variations like onyx, which can come in a range of colors including black, white, brown, or banded varieties.

How thick is Afghanistan's Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx slabs?

I do not have access to the current information regarding the thickness of Afghanistans Afghan Lapis Lazuli Onyx slabs. However, it is advised to consult a reliable source or supplier for accurate details regarding the same.