Lapis Lazuli object in great shape

A lapis lazuli natural stone from Afghanistan in an individual freeform cut with a flat base. The color is a dark, deep blue with numerous golden pyrite veins.

Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock that consists predominantly of lazurite. It also contains calcite as a white component and pyrite as shimmering golden inclusions, which give it its typical "night sky with stars" appearance.

The deposits in the Afghan province of Badakhshan have been supplying lapis lazuli for over six thousand years. Tutankhamun jewelry and medieval ultramarine pigments originated from this region.

The piece is polished all around and free-standing. The veins create a changing pyrite pattern on all visible surfaces.