5.20 Ct. Lapis from Afghanistan

Presenting a fine example of classic lapis lazuli, this piece is an opaque 5.20 carat cushion shape tablet cut blue lapis, measuring 17.11 by 15.07 by 1.81 mm, with vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, enhancement none, origin Afghanistan. The shallow tablet profile and restrained thickness make the gem exceptionally wearable, while the cushion outline softens the geometry for a timeless silhouette. At this size and weight the stone offers a generous face up area that displays a rich ultramarine field with depth and saturation that you rarely see in stones of this class. The polish is particularly noteworthy, producing a satiny surface that captures ambient light without appearing glossy or artificial, and the absence of treatments preserves both the natural character and the long term stability of the color.

When you compare this Afghan lapis to other lapis on the market, the differences are striking, many commercially available lapis pieces are dyed or oil treated to mask pale tone or to boost uniformity, and some are stabilized with resin which alters feel and aging properties. By contrast this example from Afghanistan offers natural vividness without enhancement, a factor that materially increases both aesthetic integrity and long term value. Lapis from Chile, Pakistan, and Russia can be attractive, but Afghan lapis has historically set the benchmark for deep saturated blues, and this stone aligns with that legacy while offering modern cutting and finishing. The tablet cut is more contemporary than traditional domed cabochons, and it maximizes the face up color while minimizing the presence of any natural matrix, delivering a clean, designer ready look that is tough to match among untreated stones.

Beyond comparisons within the lapis family, this gem holds advantages over alternative blue opaque materials, such as sodalite or reconstructed lapis, and it offers a more authentic and collectible option than many mass produced synthetics. Sodalite tends to read paler and more violet in hand, and reconstructed pieces will often show uniformity at the expense of natural character. This Afghan lapis combines the desirable elements of vibrant, natural ultramarine, and restrained surface texture, giving jewelers and collectors a stone that photographs beautifully and performs well in everyday wear when properly set. The dimensions 17.11 by 15.07 by 1.81 mm sit in a sweet spot for designers who want a substantial visual presence without excessive bulk. Consider settings that protect the edges and provide a bezel or partial bezel for stability, or let the tablet profile sit flush in a contemporary inlay or pendant where the flat plane can be appreciated.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we prioritize provenance and full disclosure because natural origin and treatment status are central to long term satisfaction and value. This lapis, coming from Afghanistan and offered without enhancement, represents the kind of transparent, high quality offering you expect from a specialist supplier. For buyers seeking a durable, natural, and visually commanding blue gemstone this piece outperforms many treated or assembled alternatives, and it is particularly well suited for collectors who value authenticity and designers looking for a reliably even, vividly colored face. If you would like additional detailed images, fit and setting suggestions, or assistance securing this stone for a custom commission, contact The Natural Gemstone Company and our team will provide expert guidance and documentation to support your acquisition.