The LAPIS is from Northeastern Afghanistan, Badakhshan
Province, Hindu Kush Region. The main component of lapis lazuli is lazurite, a feldspathoid silicate
mineral with the formula (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl). Most lapis lazuli also contains calcite
(white), sodalite (blue), and pyrite (metallic yellow). It is one of the oldest mined stones on the earth, having been mined as far back as 5000 years ago.
The GREEN QUARTZITE is from South Africa.
It is is a hard metamorphic rock which was originally sandstone.
Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure
most often related to crushing by tectonic plates.
The RHYOLITE is from the Sweetwater Road Rhyolite
intrusion near Dillon, Montana. It is an igneous, volcanic rock of silica-rich composition.
The view at The Sweetwater Road Rhyolite spot.
