2.8" Polished Lapis Lazuli - Pakistan
This is a 2.8" wide, polished piece of lapis lazuli with streaks of sparkling pyrite running through it. This vibrant blue stone was mined from Northern Pakistan.
Lapis lazuli is unlike most other gem materials because it is not actually a mineral. Instead, it is a rock composed of multiple minerals. Lapis lazuli's striking blue color is mainly derived from the presence of lazurite. To be called "lapis lazuli," a rock must have a distinctly blue color and contain at least 25% blue lazurite. Pyrite usually occurs in lapis lazuli as tiny, randomly spaced grains colored a contrasting gold.