47.98 Ct. Lapis

This exceptional opaque 47.98 carat oval blue lapis is a striking specimen, measuring 32.54 by 25.07 by 6.40 millimeters, presented in a tablet cut that emphasizes a broad, even face and a satisfying visual presence. The tablet cut flatters the stone by laying out its color in a single expansive plane, and the excellent polish gives the surface a satin to soft sheen that invites close inspection. There are no enhancements, the lapis is completely natural, and the origin is unknown, which only adds a layer of intrigue for collectors who prize an unaltered character. Compared to classic Afghan lapis from Sar e Sang, famous for its deep ultramarine and often violet undertones, this tablet presents a comparable depth of blue but with a steadier, more uniform body tone that reads as a concentrated royal to inky blue across the entire oval face. Where some Afghan pieces show dramatic flecks or zoning, this tablet cut holds a unified field of color that can feel more modern and pared back, making it ideal for contemporary designs where a single unwavering hue is desired.

When placed beside lapis from Chile, which frequently leans to a lighter, sky to cornflower blue and can mingle more visibly with sodalite like gray, this 47.98 carat tablet stands apart with a richer body tone and a denser saturation that feels closer to classic gemstone blue than to pastel. Russian lapis from the Lake Baikal region can sometimes exhibit a slightly greyer, steely cast, and while those tones are admired for their antique charm, they read cooler and more subdued than the warm, resolute blue of this piece. The tablet cut here plays to the lapis strength, turning what might be a flat opaque mass into a velvety plane of color, similar in effect to a highly finished cabochon but with a flatter modern silhouette that holds light differently. For buyers weighing lapis against other blue gemstones from famous locations, consider how this stone differs from sapphire sources like Kashmir and Sri Lanka. A Kashmir sapphire yields a transparent, velvety cornflower blue with a lively, internal glow, and Ceylon sapphires offer brighter, lighter cornflower tones. Those sapphires rely on light transmission and brilliance, whereas this lapis offers a saturated, opaque intensity that reads as a singular statement of blue, a presence rather than a play of light.

Value and rarity considerations are significant with a piece of this scale and finish, at 47.98 carat and generous dimensions of 32.54 by 25.07 by 6.40 millimeters, especially because it has no enhancements. Large, unenhanced tablet cut lapis of such consistent tone is uncommon, and for collectors who compare pieces from well known localities, this stone aligns more with museum quality examples that prioritize uniform hue and pure, untreated material. In direct comparison to famous blue stones like Kashmir sapphires and quality Afghan lapis, this tablet offers a different kind of luxury, one based on saturated, opaque depth and a tactile surface quality enhanced by excellent polish. Tanzanite, with its pleochroic shifts between violet and blue, appeals to those who want color movement. This lapis, by contrast, offers a steady blue that performs exceptionally in settings where a bold, single color plane is preferred, such as a signet ring, a cuff pendant, or a central element in heritage jewelry where stability of hue is paramount.

The Natural Gemstone Company presents this piece as a thoughtful choice for connoisseurs who understand how hue and tone change with origin and cutting style, and who value the combination of size, finish, and natural condition. With no enhancements and a tablet cut that brings forward a pure blue field, this lapis is an alternative to transparent blues from famed sources, offering a more sculptural, uninterrupted blue that feels both timeless and contemporary. If your preference is for a deep, royal to inky blue that reads consistently across a large surface, this 47.98 carat oval tablet, at 32.54 by 25.07 by 6.40 millimeters, represents a compelling balance of rarity, quality, and aesthetic versatility. Contact The Natural Gemstone Company for further images and setting recommendations, and let our team help you envision this striking, untreated lapis in the context of your next signature piece.