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Afghanite

Afghanite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: March 2022
Afghanite Polished Afghanite Rough
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Afghanite Colors
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Afghanite

Named after the country, Afghanistan, where it was first discovered in a lapis lazuli mine in 1968, this rare and complex aluminosilicate forms blue crystals ranging from light aquamarine shades to saturated sapphire blue hues. The scarcity of gem-quality afghanite makes it a true collector's stone.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Afghanite
Species
Afghanite
Transparency
Transparent
Refractive Index
1.523-1.529
Birefringence
0.006
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert or orange, sometimes pale pink, orangish pink, yellow.orangish red, red,
LWUV: Inert or yellow, sometimes pale yellow, orangish yellow or orange.
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5.5-6
Specific Gravity
2.550-2.650 Typical:2.500
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Stones often include lazurite inclusions.
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
Perfect, in one direction
Chemical Name
hydrated sodium calcium potassium aluminum silicate carbonate
Chemical Formula
(Na, Ca, K)12-(Si, Al)16O34(Cl, SO4, CO3)4.H2O
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Afghanite Colors

  • Colorless Afghanite
    Colorless
  • Blue Afghanite
    Blue

Countries of Origin

Canada; Afghanistan; Russian Federation; Pakistan; Unknown; United States of America; Italy; Germany; Tajikistan

History

Afghanite is named for Afghanistan, the country where it was first discovered. It's a head-turner with amazing blue shades ranging in color from light, sea-blue aqua to compelling, fine sapphire-like blue. Afghanite is a recent addition to the list of desirable gemstones since it wasn't found until 1968. Although gem-quality stones are very scarce, afghanite is definitely worth a second look and prized by astute collectors.

Care

Normal care.

More About Afghanite

Afghanite is relatively unknown and has not garnered any folklore. We believe its color tells its story!

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