Lapis Lazuli Cabochon

Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest lapidary materials and has been used in jewelry for 100's of years.  This stone is comprised of 3 different minerals lazurite (blue), pyrite (metallic gold) and calcite (white).  The classic location is in northeast Afghanistan but it's also found in quantity Russia and Chile.

The cabochon measures 44 x 20 x 7.4 mm.  It has a girdle height approx. 3.4 mm and is sloped at 5 degrees for ease in setting.  The back is also polished.

4