Not an insect (Mineral Specimen)

Scientific Name: Lapis Lazuli (often containing Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite)

Order & Family: Metamorphic Rock (Geological Classification)

Size: Varies from microscopic grains to large boulders

Not an insect (Mineral Specimen)

Natural Habitat

Found in limestone in the Kokcha River valley of Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan, as well as in Russia west of Lake Baikal, and in the Chilean Andes.

Diet & Feeding

None (non-living mineral)

Behavior Patterns

Inert geological formation; composed of lazurite (blue), calcite (white), and pyrite (gold flecks). Does not exhibit biological behaviors.

Risks & Benefits

No biological risks. Very beneficial culturally and economically as a semi-precious stone used in jewelry, carvings, and historically as the pigment ultramarine.

Identified on: 3/3/2026