Afghanite

Afghanite – a rare blue mineral from the mountains of Afghanistan
Afganite is a rare aluminosilicate mineral with the composition (Na,K)₄Ca₂Al₆Si₆O₂₄(SO₄,Cl)₂·nH₂O, which was first described in 1968. It is known for its deep blue to blue-violet color, due to which it is often confused with lapis lazuli.

Afghanite deposits
The most famous deposits of afganite are located in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, where it often occurs together with lapis lazuli and sodalite. High-quality specimens come from Afghanistan, while smaller occurrences have also been recorded in Tajikistan, Italy, and Canada.

History and uses of afganite
As a young and rare mineral, afganite quickly found its place among sought-after collector's stones. Thanks to its color, it has become a popular decorative mineral. Due to its fragility, it is only exceptionally used in jewelry.

Identification of Afghanite

Chemical formula: (Na,K)₄Ca₂Al₆Si₆O₂₄(SO₄,Cl)₂·nH₂O

Color: deep blue, blue-violet

Crystal system: hexagonal

Hardness: 5.5 – 6 (Mohs scale)

Luster: glassy to dull

Density: 2.55 – 2.65 g/cm³
Fluorescence: fluoresces orange under UV light

Afghanite is a very rare mineral from the tectosilicate group. It was first discovered in 1968 in Afghanistan, in the Lapis-lazuli Mine, at the Sar-e-Sang site in Badakhshan province. This is the type locality with the best samples. It was subsequently named in honor of this country. Hardness 5.5 - 6 Mohs scale. Color pale blue to dark blue. The scratch has a white, glassy luster and is translucent. It fluoresces orange under UV light. The best pieces are even cut like a gemstone.