Deep Blue Lapis Lazuli, both the smaller and the larger buff-polished gemstone of Afghani origin, from the ancient mining area of the far north-east of that country; natural gemstones, untreated, of excellent “ultramarine” colour. The larger Lapis is particularly interesting in that its buff polish allows a close inspection to reveal the natural pyrites inclusions so characteristic of Afghani Lapis Lazuli.
The Turquoise in the above pendant, a natural pale blue, has its origin in the north eastern region of Persia, a region where Turquoise has been mined for thousands of years. If the appropriate roads existed, it would be only a few days’ drive between the two ancient mining areas.
Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise are both semi-precious gemstones and are the only two gemstones classified as “rock”, neither crystal nor organic.