Lapis-lazuli is mined and carved as a decorative stone, this rock has a distinctive blue colour. THE SITE OF SAR-E-SANG Sar-e-Sang is located in Badalzhshan, in the north- east of Afghanistan. … Both have exploited the mines, both have links to national politics, and both allegedly have had back-door ties to the Taliban. Lazurite is the ingredient responsible for producing the gem’s most prized color—bright royal blue. Illegal mining of lapis lazuli, ... Badakhshan, which borders Tajikistan, has seen a sharp decline in security in recent years, with various districts at times overrun by insurgents. The mines of the rugged northeastern province of Badakhshan are one of the richest assets of the Afghan people, an extraordinary national treasure that should be a powerful resource for development. The three major minerals that comprise lapis are lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. The direct rivals in the violent competition for Badakhshan’s ancient lapis lazuli mines are two local strongmen. Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Lapis lazuli.

Afghanistan, lapis lazuli and the battle for mineral wealth June 06, 05:14 AM Kicker This is a kicker.

lapis-lazuli deposits at Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Lapis Lazuli historically came from Lapis-lazuli mines and occurrences, near Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan (Badakshan; Badahsan) Province, Afghanistan.

It lies in the center of the Hindu-Kush massif, along the right bank of the Kokcha River, which cuts from north to south an anticline with summits reaching 3500 m to 5500 m. The rock can also contain lesser amounts of diopside, amphibole, feldspar, or mica.