Awesome Lot of Paraiba Blue to an Apatite Bluish Green Lazurite/Lazulite? Faceting Rough from Afghanistan. OK folks, we haven't tested this and therefore can't guarantee exactly what it is. We have gathered some information on the material and to put you in a more informed position for your purchase we are passing that information on to you. Below are a few particulars on the material for you to make a more knowledgeable decision on the material.

First set of particulars: When we initially had this come by us we thought it was either Apatite or Dioptase or maybe even some form of Afghanite, however, after shooting it over to a friend he informed us that it was "Lazurite." We tried to find any information we could on Facet Grade Lazurite - the gem version of Lapis Lazuli - but that was to no avail as there is very little information available. As a result of the lack of information we can't guarantee what the heck this is; however, we have received word from a knowledgeable friend who did some tests on it and gave us the name Lazurite.

Second set of particulars: We recently saw this material selling at a Gem show as LAZULITE marked at $300-$350 Per Carat for 10-30 pointers that were slightly included to clean. The seller advertised the material as being Lazulite and he informed us that he had sold off all the material he had of what Lazulite traditionally looks like (strongly dichroic Blue & Yellow cross axis).

Now, regarding the material, Overall we would say that roughly 1/2 the material is more Greener than the above pictures indicate and resembles treated Apatite from Madagascar. The larger pieces tend to be this Greener color and are more in the included end being moderately to heavily included for the most part; however, the Bluer material tends to be cleaner and very glassy though it is generally much smaller in size. We estimate that roughly 20% of this is High to Top Facet grade while the remainder is a mix of Facet & Cabbing Rough. We really haven't seen much of this material in the market in Pakistan and were lucky to get a hold of it. After our partner purchased it he was immediately offered three times the purchase price abroad IN Pakistan. We have taken the lot purchased and broken it down into two parcels to make it more moderately priced for clients. We don't anticipate getting more so if you like the oddities and collector items don't miss out. The color on this is to die for so grab it while you can!!!

Just a note, we looked at this through our Chelsea Filter and it tested positive for Chromium. This would tend to indicate that it is NOT Lazurite as we haven't seen Chromium Present in anything we read under the chemical composition of Lazurite.....Good Luck!

1. Unknown.