Description
Deep blue high grade oval lapis lazuli & pyrite cabochons. 13 Medium and 13 Small pieces. These cabochons are natural, no dyes or treatments. The back is not polished to a shine.
This beautiful blue rock is lapis lazuli (today often called lapis), composed of finely interspersed crystals of the mineral lazurite with calcite or marble and pyrite. A complex set of geologic conditions brought these minerals together to form this beautiful rock, which was used by the ancient Egyptians to adorn their most precious treasures. These pieces are from Sar-e-Sang, the oldest continuously operated mine on the planet, and the source of the lapis that was used by the Egyptians over two thousand years ago.
From Badakhshan, Afghanistan