Rough Lapis Lazuli Specimen, 94.8g, Badakhshan, Afghanistan

Raw Lapis Lazuli, left unpolished

This is a rough Lapis Lazuli specimen from Badakhshan, Afghanistan. It weighs 94.8 grams and is 7.2 cm long, with an elongated shape. The surface is natural and unpolished, so you see the stone as it came out. The color is a deep, strong royal blue.

Pyrite in the blue

Fine flecks and veins of gold pyrite run through the blue, which is a common feature of Afghan Lapis. On raw stone the pyrite sits in the rough surface and glints as you tilt it. If you want to know how to read pyrite and avoid fakes, our Afghan Lapis Lazuli buying guide goes through it.

Who buys rough Lapis

Collectors keep rough pieces as raw specimens. Lapidary artists and carvers also work with rough Lapis. Not sure whether raw or polished is better for you? Read how collectors decide between rough and polished.

More rough pieces

See other raw material in the rough stone collection, or look through the Lapis Lazuli collection. Curious about where this stone is found? Read where Lapis Lazuli comes from.