Description
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Obelisk Point Specimen
This Lapis Lazuli Obelisk Point is a carefully selected natural stone specimen polished into a tall obelisk-style tower. The crystal shown in the listing photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, allowing collectors and buyers to clearly see the deep blue colouration, natural mineral inclusions, and polished finish before purchase. Full sizing and proportions can be viewed in the photographs included with the listing.
Each specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that this is a genuine natural mineral specimen. Lapis Lazuli obelisks are highly valued by mineral collectors, decorative stone enthusiasts, and gemstone collectors due to their rich colour and historical significance.
Mineral Composition and Geological Classification
Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral but rather a metamorphic rock composed primarily of the mineral lazurite, along with several associated minerals. The principal components typically include:
• Lazurite (Na₈–10Al₆Si₆O₂₄S₂–4) – responsible for the deep blue colour
• Calcite (CaCO₃) – often appearing as white veining or patches
• Pyrite (FeS₂) – metallic golden inclusions commonly visible within the stone
Because Lapis Lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals rather than a single crystal species, it forms in massive structures rather than individual crystals. The stone belongs to the broader category of metamorphic rocks formed through geological transformation of limestone deposits.
Colour and Natural Mineral Characteristics
The most recognisable feature of Lapis Lazuli is its intense royal blue colour, which is produced by the presence of lazurite within the rock. The blue tones may range from deep ultramarine to lighter cobalt shades depending on the mineral composition.
Typical natural characteristics include:
• Colour: Deep blue to royal blue
• Associated minerals: Pyrite and calcite
• Lustre: Waxy to vitreous when polished
• Transparency: Opaque
• Texture: Massive metamorphic rock structure
Small golden pyrite inclusions are frequently present and create a distinctive sparkling contrast against the blue background. White calcite veins may also appear naturally within some specimens.
These features are natural results of the rock’s formation and contribute to the unique appearance of each piece.
Geological Formation and Locality
Lapis Lazuli forms through metamorphic processes, where limestone deposits undergo transformation under high temperature and pressure conditions within the Earth’s crust. During this process, minerals such as lazurite develop within the rock matrix, producing the characteristic blue colour.
Historically and geologically significant deposits are found in Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan, which has produced high-quality Lapis Lazuli for thousands of years. Other sources include Chile, Russia, Pakistan, and parts of the United States, though Afghan deposits remain among the most renowned.
These deposits occur within metamorphosed limestone formations, where chemical reactions during metamorphism create the lazurite-bearing rock.
Obelisk Shape and Stone Craftsmanship
This specimen has been shaped into a polished obelisk point, a tall four-sided tower that tapers to a pointed tip. The obelisk design is inspired by ancient monumental architecture and is widely used in decorative stone carvings.
Multiple polished faces allow the natural blue colour and pyrite inclusions to reflect light from different angles. The pointed top and smooth surfaces highlight the stone’s internal structure and mineral patterns.
Obelisk towers are popular for mineral displays, decorative interiors, crystal collections, and gemstone cabinets, where their geometric form adds visual interest.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Lapis Lazuli has been prized for thousands of years due to its vivid colour and rarity. Ancient civilisations including those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome used Lapis Lazuli for jewellery, carvings, ornamental objects, and pigments.
The stone was historically ground into powder to create ultramarine pigment, one of the most valuable pigments used in historical paintings.
In various cultural traditions, Lapis Lazuli has been traditionally associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual symbolism, though these associations are based on historical and cultural beliefs rather than scientific claims.
Authentic Specimen and Item Details
• Genuine natural Lapis Lazuli stone specimen
• Composed primarily of lazurite with calcite and pyrite inclusions
• Polished obelisk tower point shape
• Distinctive deep blue colour with golden pyrite flecks
• Carefully selected individual specimen
• The exact crystal shown in the photographs is the one you will receive
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• Full size and scale visible in listing photographs
This Lapis Lazuli Obelisk Point is a striking natural metamorphic stone specimen that beautifully displays the deep blue colour and mineral inclusions that have made Lapis Lazuli one of the most historically significant decorative stones.
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