Royal Blue Lapis Lazuli Geometric Cube - Height: 44 mm...

Mineral Geometry from Afghanistan — This lot features a superb cube of Lapis Lazuli, finely polished to enhance the intrinsic beauty of this historic gem. Originating from Afghanistan, a region famed for supplying the world's finest specimens, the object stands out for its precise geometric form, creating a fascinating dialogue between the order of human design and the spontaneous complexity of nature. The surface, smooth and glossy, invites tactile and visual exploration of a mineral microcosm. Upon close inspection, the cube reveals its iconic color composition. The dominant color is a deep, saturated ultramarine blue, a shade that has fascinated kings and artists for millennia. This base color is enriched by a dense, sparkling distribution of Golden Pyrite, whose metallic inclusions evoke the image of a starry night sky. In some areas, as visible on one of the faces, delicate veins and white Calcite specks weave through the blue matrix, adding another level of contrast and visual interest, testifying to the stone's authentic geological origin. Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral, but a metamorphic rock formed millions of years ago. Its main component is Lazurite, the silicate responsible for its deep blue color. The presence of Pyrite and Calcite is a hallmark of this material, and their combination varies in every specimen, making each piece unique in its pattern. The Badakhshan mines in Afghanistan are the oldest and most renowned sources, active for over 6,000 years and even mentioned in ancient texts. Owning a specimen from this locality means safeguarding a fragment of geological and human history. Thanks to its formal elegance and rich chromatics, this cube of Lapis Lazuli transcends its purely mineralogical value. It is a sculptural object that elegantly fits into any natural history collection or a context of interior design. Placed on a desk, on a bookshelf, or inside a modern *Wunderkammer*, it becomes a focal point of conversation, a symbol of discreet luxury and of deep connection with the wonders of our planet.

Estimation:€325

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