Lapis-lazuli (18.1kg) from Afghanistan

The most beautiful Lapis-Lazuli come from the province of Badakhshan in northern Afghanistan. In a narrow valley, covered with snow most of the year, mines have been operating for 6000 years! The Sumerians, then later the Egyptians appreciated this blue stone, as evidenced by the many blue statues and pearls found in the tombs of important figures. And all, like this one, came from the Afghan mountains.
Lapis-Lazuli is a rock composed of 14 different minerals, the main one being the blue Lazurite.
The colour of lapis lazuli is one of the most important criteria for determining its value. The purer and more vibrant the color, the more precious the stone. But these criteria apply to small jewelry... Here we are in gigantism!