These amazing lapis beads come from Afghanistan (a major source for very high quality lapis in ancient and present times). These beads are truly stunning. Their large size and intense color and patterns command attention. These lapis are untreated and completely natural....no dyes, no resins no coatings. Just how nature intended them to be.
Lapis, also know as lapiz lazuli, is primarily made up of the intense blue mineral lazurite and also contains swirls of gold toned pyrite and white calcite. Mines in northern buying Afghanistan (most notably the Sar-e-Sang mine) have been worked for over 6,000 years and have produced lapis rough for ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek and Roman civilizations.
These beads are temporarily strung on cotton string. Ultimately these are meant to be incorporated into your designs and restrung.
You will receive the exact strand featured in the photos.
Size of beads: approx 9 mm to 15 mm hole to hole and 9 mm to 15 mm around
Length of strand (beads): 16 inches
Total length (including clasp): 18 inches
Product code: Buying Natural Afghani Lapis Beads