{"product_id":"natural-lapis-lazuli-rough-specimen-badakhshan-afghanistan","title":"Natural Lapis Lazuli Rough Specimen – Badakhshan, Afghanistan","description":"\u003ch1\u003eNatural Lapis Lazuli Rough Specimen – Badakhshan, Afghanistan\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eA beautifully natural rough Lapis Lazuli specimen direct from the ancient mines of Badakhshan, Afghanistan. This piece captures the raw, unprocessed beauty of one of the world's most historically significant gemstone minerals — deep blue lazurite matrix with characteristic pyrite flecks and natural surface texture that no polished piece can replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Appeal of Natural Rough Lapis\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors and mineral enthusiasts prize rough Lapis Lazuli for its authenticity and geological character. Unlike polished or tumbled pieces, a natural rough specimen shows the true crystal habit, fracture patterns, and matrix relationships that tell the story of how this mineral formed deep within the earth over millions of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural rough, unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep blue lazurite with pyrite and calcite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display \/ Cabinet Specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural, no treatments or enhancements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfghanistan's Badakhshan Province — specifically the Sar-e-Sang valley — has been the world's primary source of Lapis Lazuli for over six millennia. The intense blue color, driven by high lazurite content, and the characteristic golden pyrite inclusions make Afghan Lapis the global standard against which all other sources are measured.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDisplay \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisplay away from prolonged direct sunlight. Wipe gently with a dry soft cloth. Each specimen is unique — the piece shown in photos is the exact piece you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Fine Minerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52620676235551,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/5077\/7375\/files\/IMG_3447.jpg?v=1781699648","url":"https:\/\/premierfineminerals.com\/products\/natural-lapis-lazuli-rough-specimen-badakhshan-afghanistan","provider":"Premier Fine Minerals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}