Raw Lapis Lazuli Specimen with Pyrite Inclusions
Raw Gold / Mineral Specimen · Not Applicable
Purity: Not Applicable
Type
Raw Gold / Mineral Specimen
Purity
Not Applicable
Gold Type
Not Applicable
Weight
Estimated 25 to 50 grams based on visual scale
Description
A striking rough specimen of natural lapis lazuli displaying a rich, deep blue coloration interspersed with sparkling metallic pyrite flecks and minor calcite matrix at the base. Placed atop a financial document with handwritten notes, this raw mineral showcases the classic aesthetic prized by lapidaries and mineral collectors for millennia.
Key Features
Vibrant royal blue coloration, prominent natural pyrite inclusions distributed across the face, unpolished rough texture
Color & Finish
Deep royal blue matrix featuring metallic brass-yellow pyrite flecks and whitish calcite inclusions, natural rough fracture finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm
Gemstones & Inlays
Natural Lapis Lazuli aggregate stone with native Pyrite ('fool's gold') inclusions
Clasp & Closure
None
Chain & Links
None
Craftsmanship Details
Entirely natural geological formation with no human-made cuts, polishes, or metallic fabrication
Authentication Indicators
Presence of genuine pyrite crystals (often mistaken for gold by novices), authentic uneven matrix fractures, natural color variations
Origin & Maker
Likely sourced from classic deposits such as Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Era & Period
Natural Geological Specimen
Age Estimate
Geological age (millions of years)
Cultural Significance
Lapis lazuli has been mined and traded since antiquity, famously used in ancient Egyptian funerary masks, Renaissance ultramarine pigments, and royal jewelry
Condition Notes
Natural raw condition with unworked rough edges, typical for an unpolished mineral specimen
Value Estimate
Collector mineral value ranging from $20 to $100 depending on exact weight, purity of blue color, and density of pyrite
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry environment, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, acids, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Similar Items
Raw sodalite or azurite specimens, though lacking the distinctive metallic pyrite glitter characteristic of high-grade lapis lazuli
Interesting Facts
Pyrite inclusions within lapis lazuli are frequently mistaken for real gold by untrained observers, earning pyrite the colloquial nickname 'fool's gold'