15.24 Ct. Cabochon Lapis from Afghanistan

This is a beautiful, natural, unenhanced cushion shape blue lapis offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, weighing 15.24 carats, and measuring 15.84 x 14.02 x 7.70 mm. The gem is cut as a cabochon to maximize color saturation and surface luster, and it displays a vivid, deep blue color intensity that is immediately striking. The stone is opaque, as is characteristic of fine lapis, and it has an excellent polish which gives a satiny surface sheen and enhances the depth of the blue. Small golden flecks are visible under magnification, consistent with finely distributed pyrite inclusions that are often prized in high quality Afghan lapis, and there are minimal light colored matrix areas, reflecting careful selection of rough and skilled cutting. Importantly, this lapis has no enhancement, which means the color and appearance are entirely natural, a feature that informed collectors and connoisseurs particularly value.

When evaluating lapis, color is the dominant grading factor, followed by uniformity of color and the presence or absence of distracting matrix and calcite. This cabochon shows a saturated, even blue that reads as vivid across the table, without significant chalky or white calcite veins interrupting the color field. For opaque gems like lapis, conventional clarity grading used for transparent gems is replaced by an assessment of color homogeneity and the nature of inclusions. The modest pyrite speckling in this stone contributes to visual interest and historical desirability, whereas larger calcite patches would lower value. The cushion shape and the dimensions provided contribute to a substantial visual presence in jewelry, and at 15.24 carats this piece is large enough to be set as a pendant focal, a statement ring, or a museum style collectible specimen. The excellent polish improves light interaction at the surface, offering a deep velvety look that experienced buyers recognize as a hallmark of careful lapidary work.

Origin and provenance matter to educated buyers of lapis, and this stone originates in Afghanistan, a region historically and currently renowned for producing some of the finest lapis in the world. Afghan lapis, particularly from the Badakhshan area, is prized for its intense ultramarine and royal blue tones and for pyrite inclusions that provide attractive contrast without compromising color purity. Geologically, these gems form in contact metamorphic environments rich in lazurite, and the best material exhibits high lazurite content with minimal calcite. The provenance adds both qualitative and market value, because supply from classic Afghan sources has been intermittent and the highest grade material commands a premium. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document origin when possible, and we apply visual microscopy, specific gravity checks, and comparative analysis with known reference material to support origin and natural state assessments, and we can provide further testing or certification on request.

From a practical perspective, this lapis offers versatility and enduring appeal for collectors and jewelry designers who value natural, unenhanced material with demonstrable provenance. Given its Mohs hardness around 5 to 5.5, the stone is ideally used in protective settings such as pendants, brooches, and earrings, or in rings with secure bezels and a degree of wear caution. Care recommendations include avoiding exposure to acids, strong detergents, prolonged sunlight, and ultrasonic or steam cleaning, and instead using a soft cloth and mild soap with water for routine cleaning. For investors and connoisseurs, the key value drivers are color saturation, uniformity, size, polish quality, and natural provenance, and this piece scores highly across those factors. If you would like additional high resolution images, specific measurements in other units, or an independent report, The Natural Gemstone Company will be pleased to assist, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss setting options and provide any supplemental documentation to support your purchase decision.