Extra Quality Afghan Lapislazzuli Slice - Natural Royal...

Polished polished freeform lapis lazuli, adorned with golden inclusions — A magnificent specimen of freeform lapis lazuli left in its natural, polished state from the historic Afghan mines. This piece, of notable size and weighing well over a kilogram, immediately captivates with its intense, deep blue coloration, evoking the most precious pigments in the history of art. The surface, expertly worked, offers a sculptural and modern aesthetic, making it a highly impactful visual object. On observing the specimen in detail, one appreciates the superb polish that enhances every chromatic shade and creates a surface almost glassy, smooth to the touch. The dominant color is a royal, deep, saturated blue—the quintessence of high-quality lapis lazuli. Against this cobalt blue backdrop, a fine, sparkling dispersion of pyrite unfolds. These golden specks and aggregates, like stardust, create the iconic effect of a “starry night sky.” The mineralogical tableau is completed by veins and areas of white and grayish Calcite, crossing the surface like luminous brushstrokes, adding dynamism and testifying to the authenticity and complex genesis of the rock. Lapis lazuli is not a single mineral, but a metamorphic rock composed of several minerals. Its unmistakable color is mainly due to the presence of lazurite, a complex silicate. Its formation occurs through a contact metamorphism process, typically in crystalline limestones following a magmatic intrusion. The Badakhshan province mines in Afghanistan, active for over 6,000 years, are the oldest and most famous source in the world for this material, and specimens from this region are regarded as the benchmark for quality. This piece embodies the typical characteristics of that prestigious provenance. Few stones have such a rich and fascinating history. Since antiquity, lapis lazuli has been regarded as a gem of great value, a symbol of royalty, wisdom, and power. The ancient Egyptians used it extensively for jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects, as evidenced by Tutankhamun’s famous funerary mask. During the Renaissance, lapis powder was ground to produce the pigment “ultramarine blue,” the most expensive and sought after by the great masters of painting. Owning a specimen like this means safeguarding a fragment of geological and human history. With its organic form and impeccable finish, this lapis lazuli qualifies as much as a valuable mineralogical collection piece as it does as a sophisticated design element. It is an ideal object to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a library, or a study, where its sculptural presence and vibrant color can be admired. Its generous size and timeless aesthetics make it a focal point in any setting, capable of engaging both traditional and modern furnishings.

Stima:€300

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