23.63 Ct. Cabochon Lapis from Afghanistan

This specimen is a 23.63 carat round blue lapis, presented as a classic cabochon, with dimensions 18.06 by 18.04 by 8.87 mm. The material is opaque, with a vivid color intensity that reads as a deep ultramarine to slightly purplish blue under natural daylight. The dome has been cut to preserve the inherent color saturation and to present a broad, uninterrupted face, and the surface displays an excellent polish that yields a satiny reflection without any glassy overtones. There is no enhancement, the lapis is untreated and remains in its natural state, and its reported origin is Afghanistan. The proportions and weight make this stone well suited for a statement ring face or for a central element in a pendant, offering a substantial presence without requiring additional stones to achieve visual impact. The overall presentation is restrained and refined, emphasizing the intrinsic qualities of the material rather than any added effects.

The most distinctive characteristic of this lapis is its pattern of inclusions, which create an unmistakable signature when viewed against the saturated blue ground. Fine to medium pyrite inclusions appear as metallic, brassy flecks distributed across the surface, their warm luster providing a vivid contrast to the cool deep blue of the lapis matrix. These pyrite specks are not uniformly dispersed, rather they cluster and thread in subtle canals and filaments, producing a natural form of starburst and veining that can appear differently as the stone is reoriented. Minor calcite intergrowths show as paler, cloudlike areas that remain modest in extent on this piece, preserving color uniformity while adding textural depth when seen in oblique light. The combined effect of pyrite and calcite within the sodalite and lazurite rich matrix yields an interplay of color and metallic sparkle that is characteristic of fine Afghan lapis, and on this cabochon the inclusions act as an identifying fingerprint, a natural map of the stone that confirms its geological provenance and visual identity.

The cutting and finishing process has been executed to highlight the stone s natural inclusion pattern and to maximize the perceptible depth of color. The convex cabochon profile, with a moderate dome height, allows the pyrite to sit close to the surface without being abrasive to settings, and the excellent polish ensures that the metallic flashes read clearly without disruptive surface reflection. Because lapis is essentially opaque and composed primarily of lazurite with accessory phases, a cabochon presentation is appropriate and traditional, enhancing the jewel like qualities of color and internal contrast rather than attempting to create optical effects that faceted cutting would seek. The reported absence of enhancement underscores the authenticity of what is seen, and provides assurance that the glittering pyrite and the blue matrix are intrinsic, not the result of filling or dyeing. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document such characteristics to assist designers and collectors in understanding how this material will behave in various lighting conditions and in wearable applications.

From a practical perspective this lapis is a robust choice for jewelry that is intended for regular wear, with mindful care to avoid exposure to acids and harsh solvents that can affect the softer matrix. The hardness of lapis generally necessitates secure bezel or partial bezel settings to protect the edges while allowing the cabochon face to remain the focal point. The notable inclusion pattern gives the stone an identity that is easily referenced, making it suitable for bespoke pieces where a singular, natural motif is desired. Collectors will value the combination of vivid Afghan blue, substantial carat weight, and the golden pyrite signature, and designers will appreciate the stable, intuitive shape and finish for translating the piece into a wearable object. This 23.63 carat Afghan lapis, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, stands as an example of material whose value lies in its natural inclusions and untreated condition, a specimen that communicates origin and character through its unmistakable internal architecture.