FLrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2014
Posts: 343
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Post by FLrockhound on Nov 21, 2014 21:45:19 GMT -5
From my understanding Lapidary Lazuli is found in Afghanistan. I wish I were a rock hound while I was in Afghanistan.
I have a couple questions, 1 is it available as rough for tumbling an 2 where can I purchase some?
Thank you in advance! Nick
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Post by captbob on Nov 21, 2014 23:25:15 GMT -5
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FLrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2014
Posts: 343
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Post by FLrockhound on Nov 22, 2014 0:03:10 GMT -5
Thanks captbob. I did a quick search on Google but figured someone on here could point me in the right direction as to where to get it from.
I haven't used eBay in years, mostly use Amazon now. I might have to open a new eBay account. Thanks for the links, I will get on my computer tomorrow and do some further browsing.
I would like to tumble it if I could. I think it would make some beautiful jewelry. Eventually, I would like to have a collection of rocks from everywhere I have been around the world.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,676
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Post by Fossilman on Nov 22, 2014 11:04:35 GMT -5
There was a guy on the forum several months ago that was in Afghanistan and was selling "lapis",did anybody buy any??? If so can you post photos...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2014 12:23:56 GMT -5
I did approach him, he offered a 25kg polish rough. He is/was a soldier and his prices were VERY high by USA comparison.. Plus ya had to pay freight from Kabul. I doubt anybody bought. If memory serves his source also got kicked off the base.
The 25kg piece would have cost me over $1000! I've seen it in AZ and LA for $20kg and no freight.
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FLrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2014
Posts: 343
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Post by FLrockhound on Nov 22, 2014 13:11:02 GMT -5
im curious to know how available it is there. I might have some friends on a deployment or going to be deployed there. Im gonna start getting the word out if they could possibly find some on a rare chance and have it shipped. As an MP we have all sorts of connections with locals. There were mnay days and hours I remember sitting in afghan staring at rocks, like the lamb on jurassic park waiting for something to happen in the most vulnerable. i don't kknow, it may be just a pipe dream but I will try.
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Post by mohs on Nov 22, 2014 13:53:44 GMT -5
as to question of tumbling lapis it may be a trick with all the pyrite in it so it may not tumble real great although I'm sure I'll be proved wrong vibing lapis is probably a better option I know little and even less than I think mostly
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FLrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2014
Posts: 343
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Post by FLrockhound on Nov 22, 2014 14:10:05 GMT -5
Once I had enough I was planning on having to use different methods to polishing it incase it wasn't stable enough to just be tumbled. Im learning quickly that trial and error in this hobby is probably the most common topic when polishing uncommon semi-precious stones.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2014 14:29:08 GMT -5
FYI, there is no rough available. Just polished "blocks". The afghani government required lapis be exported as "finished" work, thus insuring paid labor for the natives. All the pieces you will see in the USA are wild rough that have been polished.
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Post by Peruano on Nov 23, 2014 21:46:44 GMT -5
I wouldn't buy lapis without seeing it or knowing who I'm buying from knew their stuff. There's all degrees of quality. Some that's plain is worth about $4 per pound and some of the really good stuff with lots of activity sells for $450 per pound as rough. Word is that concussions of explosives have ruined a lot of good lapis, but I'm sure there's good material to be had. So go to a rock shop and talk to someone before you buy. I love the stuff. It cabs really nicely. Tom
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Post by gingerkid on Nov 24, 2014 9:32:37 GMT -5
FLrockhound, I think rxscram had some lapis for sale on the forum, so you may want to ask if he has any available for sale.
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