The Encylopedia of gems in English is still under construction. Thanks to visit the encyclopedia of gems in French.

< back to the encyclopaedia (379)

Afghanite

Afghanite
  • Translations : Afghanite, Afghanit, Afghanita, Афганит, アフガン
  • Etymology : Name of the country: Afghanistan.
  • Discovery: 1968
  • Type localityLapis Lazuli mine of Sar-E-Sang, Badakshan.

The Afghanite is a blue collector stone...

It can be find in the same deposits as the lazulite with wich it is often confused.

To learn more about the mineralogy of the afghanite, see Mindat.ord

Gemological data

  • Chemical formula : (Na,Ca,K)8 (Si,Al)12 O24 (SO4,Cl,CO3)3 H2 O
  • Hardness (Mohs) : 5.5 - 6
  • Density : 2.55 - 2.65
  • Refractive index : 1.52
  • Crystal system : Hexagonal
  • Group : Cancrinite
  • Mineralogical Class : Tectosilicates

The gallery

< back to the encyclopaedia (379)