Afghanite specimens for sale
26 for sale · $70–$4,500 USD
36 in the gallery
Afghanite is a feldspathoid mineral that forms as blue to blue-green crystals and typically shows a vitreous to sub-vitreous luster. It occurs in igneous rocks and associated alkalic environments, often exhibiting prismatic habit and well-developed crystal faces that appeal to collectors seeking bright, saturated color and crisp termination. Notable specimens have come from Afghanistan and Italy, contributing to the mineral’s reputation for striking, intense blue hues and relatively rare, well-formed crystals.
- Formula
- (Na,Ca,K)8(Si,Al)12O24(SO4,Cl,CO3)3·H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Tectosilicate, feldspathoid; cancrinite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5–6
- Specific gravity
- 2.55–2.65
- Luster
- vitreous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- blue, colorless, white, green
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- good
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Fluorescent: orange, yellow
Buy Afghanite specimens
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Where Afghanite is found
Top localities
- Sar-e-Sang6 specimens
- Badakhshan2 specimens
- Ladjuar Medam2 specimens
- Kokcha Valley1 specimen
- Pitigliano1 specimen
- Yaogangxian Mine1 specimen
About Afghanite
Collectors value Afghanite for its color range, from pale to deep sapphire blue, and its association with rare alkalic rock assemblages. Fine crystals can be a centerpiece in a suite of feldspathoids, and polished or matrix-mounted pieces display the mineral’s glassy luster and geometric form. While not among the most common minerals, Afghanite remains sought after by those building diverse blue mineral collections and by those who appreciate crystals with strong, vivid coloration from notable localities.