Real Lapis, Bad Lapis

Sterling Canyon learned last week from the widespread announcement that Afghanistan sits on top of a veritable fortune on minerals, perhaps $1 trillion worth of cobalt, copper, and gold.  The term Resource Curse again is used to describe when developing nations discover vast wealth in minerals under their feet.  Think Nigeria and oil, Sierra Leone and Angola for diamonds.  Afghanistan has always been known for its Lapis Lazuli, the extraordinary blue gemstone used in jewelry and art the world over.  It is found in other places around the globe, but it is Afghanistan the sets the world standard with its highly concentrated blue lazurite.  Bloodshed and wars breakout over gems.  Truly, the Lapis that is found in Afghanistan and Iran is no exception.  It is also very difficult and fairly expensive to get your hands on authentic Iranian Lapis.  If you do have a deep blue Lapis piece of jewelry, take great care of it.  Always use a clean cloth to wash it.  Never use detergent or chemical cleaners.  And the best thought of all is that U.S. soldiers are fighting for your privilege to wear that blue rock.