Exquisite Deep Blue Lapis Lazuli Slab First Quality Lapis Lazuli Slab

Precious stone with pyrite inclusions and contemporary design — A refined ornamental composition reveals itself in this natural, first-choice lapis lazuli slab, straight from the legendary mines of Afghanistan. The stone, skilfully worked and polished on both sides, presents itself in an elongated rectangular form, with slightly irregular edges that enhance its natural character, blending the essentials of contemporary design with the purity of the raw material. The dominant color is a magnificent ultramarine blue, intense, deep, and luminous, which immediately captures the eye. The surface shows subtle yet fascinating chromatic variations between royal blue, cobalt, and lighter shades, delicately threaded with fine natural veining. An element of extraordinary beauty is the myriad pyrite inclusions distributed throughout the stone matrix like a fine golden powder; when illuminated, they produce small, sparkling metallic reflections that evoke the evocative image of a night sky dotted with stars. The value of a first-choice lapis lazuli, such as this specimen, is intrinsically linked to the intensity and uniformity of its blue, to the predominance of lazurite, and to the balance of the inclusions. In this piece, the light calcite does not overwhelm the vibrant main coloration, and the pyrite is finely dispersed without forming excessive concentrations, a distinctive sign of high quality. The saturated blue remains the undisputed protagonist, while the delicate accompanying elements enrich the surface, making every portion of the slab unique and unrepeatable. Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock, mainly composed of lazurite, responsible for its distinctive blue hue, in association with calcite, pyrite, and other minerals of the sodalite group. Its genesis is a contact metamorphism process, where ancient limestones were subjected for millions of years to the heat and chemical action of magmatic masses and mineralizing fluids. From this complex transformation emerge its unmistakable blue shades and its peculiar weave. The Badakhshan mountains, in northeastern Afghanistan, host some of the oldest and most renowned lapis lazuli mines. From here, thousands of years ago, this stone began its journey along ancient trade routes, reaching civilizations such as Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Egypt, becoming a rare and precious material reserved for the elite. In ancient Egypt, lapis lazuli was used for jewelry, amulets, scarabs, inlays, and funerary objects, as evidenced by its presence in Tutankhamun's mask, symbol of regal art. Its deep blue recalled the night sky and primordial waters, while the golden reflections of pyrite symbolized the stars, linking the stone to the divine, to royalty, to protection, and to rebirth. This symbolism has traversed eras and civilizations, elevating the depth of blue to an expression of wisdom, truth, and spiritual knowledge. Many centuries later, ground lapis lazuli provided the precious natural ultramarine pigment, so costly as to be reserved for the most significant parts of paintings, especially skies and garments of sacred figures. The slab is elegantly supported by a minimalist brass frame designed to cradle its profile and keep it visually suspended above a solid black base. The warm golden tone of the metal harmonizes splendidly with the small pyrite crystals, while the matte black of the base deepens the blue’s brilliance. The result is an object of elegant, museum-like character, where natural history, ancient symbolism, and contemporary design merge in a perfect balance. A decor element with strong visual impact, ideal for enriching a fine mineral collection or adding a touch of refinement to a modern, sophisticated environment. Conditions: The slab is a naturally polished mineral. Any small irregularities, cavities, or chromatic variations are intrinsic to its natural formation and attest to its authenticity and uniqueness. No restorations or treatments altering its natural integrity have been found. Final technical data: Name: Lapis lazuli slab Material: First-choice natural lapis lazuli Main composition: Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite Work: Cut and polished slab Weight: 797 grams Dimensions (slab): 233 x 100 x 70 mm (height x width x depth) Country: Afghanistan Support: Brass frame with black base Conditions: Natural mineral, excellent Lot code: RUA-697 LPS-02

Stima:€900

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