A flat out SUPERB dodecahedral crystal of Lazurite from Afghanistan. This 1.5 cm Lazurite crystal has really top color and luster for this normally rock-forming material, and it contrasts beautifully with the white marble matrix. From the classic ancient locality for Lapis Lazuli, this was the "stone of kings" since before Biblical times. This is a sharp, well-exposed crystal, way beyond the normal quality. Also, unlike some, I can assure you that this crystal is genuine and not one that has been enhanced. The aesthetics and quality are first class in every respect. This is from not one, but two of the major thumbnail collections of our time. Ralph Clark's label notes a comment by dealer Francois Lietard: "Sharpest XL of species He's seen." Illustrated in Photo Atlas of Minerals.