{"product_id":"lapis-lazuli-rough-specimen-badakhshan-141g","title":"Lapis Lazuli Rough Specimen – Badakhshan, Afghanistan","description":"\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLapis Lazuli Rough Specimen from Badakhshan, Afghanistan\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eraw Lapis Lazuli specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e weighs 141 grams and comes from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/premierfineminerals.com\/collections\/lapis-lazuli\"\u003eBadakhshan, Afghanistan\u003c\/a\u003e, a mountainous region in the northeast of the country known as the source for genuine, unpolished Lapis Lazuli. The piece is offered in its natural state, with no lapidary work applied, so its raw texture and coloring are exactly as they formed underground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eShape and Physical Form\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMeasuring 7.6 x 6.0 cm across with a 3.8 cm depth, this specimen has a balanced footprint paired with a notably thick, blocky profile relative to its compact width. That depth-to-width ratio gives it a solid, substantial feel in hand despite the moderate weight, which is worth knowing if you're comparing it to flatter or more elongated specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMineral Composition and Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe core Lazurite matrix carries a deep, saturated indigo-to-ultramarine tone. Running through the raw surface are veins of metallic golden \u003cstrong\u003ePyrite\u003c\/strong\u003e and pathways of white Calcite, both of which occur naturally alongside Lazurite in genuine Badakhshan Lapis Lazuli. Nothing here has been treated, dyed, or enhanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDisplay and Lapidary Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith its thick, balanced profile, this specimen suits a shelf or collector's cabinet where its depth can be appreciated up close. Its raw, uncut form also makes it usable as material for \u003cstrong\u003elapidary artists\u003c\/strong\u003e working with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/premierfineminerals.com\/collections\/rough-stone\"\u003erough stone\u003c\/a\u003e rather than finished, polished cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this Lapis Lazuli specimen natural and untreated?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. This is a raw, unpolished specimen sold exactly as sourced, with no dyeing, heat treatment, or other alteration applied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere does this specimen come from?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's sourced from Badakhshan, in the northeastern mountains of Afghanistan, historically the primary origin region for genuine Lapis Lazuli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat other minerals are visible in this piece?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe raw surface shows metallic golden Pyrite and white Calcite, both of which naturally occur alongside Lazurite in Badakhshan Lapis Lazuli deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this specimen be used for lapidary cutting?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Since it's unpolished and untreated, it works as raw material for lapidary artists in addition to being suitable as a standalone display specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Fine Minerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52618946117919,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/5077\/7375\/files\/Thick_Lapis_Lazuli_cabinet_specimen_with_golden_Pyrite.jpg?v=1790060335","url":"https:\/\/premierfineminerals.com\/products\/lapis-lazuli-rough-specimen-badakhshan-141g","provider":"Premier Fine Minerals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}