$52.00
A 1.75-inch unicorn head carved from deep blue lapis lazuli with golden pyrite flecks and smooth polished detail.
In stock
This 1.75-inch unicorn head carving is shaped from natural lapis lazuli, a stone admired for its saturated royal blue color and shimmering pyrite inclusions. Artisans sculpt the flowing mane, elongated muzzle, and curved horn with careful attention to smooth transitions and expressive detail.
The polish enhances the contrast between lapis’s ultramarine body and the scattered, metallic gold flecks that appear across the surface, giving the figure a luminous, mythic presence.
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, with supporting minerals such as calcite, pyrite, and sodalite. Its iconic blue color originates from sulfur-bearing lazurite crystals formed during contact metamorphism in limestone-rich environments.
Some of the world’s most prized lapis has been sourced for thousands of years from the Sar-e-Sang mines of Afghanistan, with additional deposits found in Chile and Russia.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rock Type | Metamorphic Rock |
| Primary Components | Lazurite, calcite, pyrite |
| Chemical Formula (Lazurite) | (Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₁–₂ |
| Crystal System | Cubic (lazurite) |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 – 5.5 |
| Localities | Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, USA |
The unicorn is one of the most enduring creatures in global mythology, appearing in stories across ancient Mesopotamia, India, Greece, China, and medieval Europe.
Key themes in unicorn lore include:
• Symbol of purity and rarity
In European medieval texts, unicorns were described as elusive forest creatures, gentle yet untamable, associated with innocence and clarity of spirit.
• Sign of power and independence
In Greek writings, unicorns were not mythic but treated as real animals—strong, swift, and fiercely solitary.
• Global cultural presence
Chinese qilin mythology includes unicorn-like forms symbolizing wisdom and good fortune, while ancient Indus Valley seals depict single-horned animals long interpreted as proto-unicorns.
• Artistic inspiration for centuries
From illuminated manuscripts to royal emblems, unicorns appear as icons of imagination, beauty, and the extraordinary.
Carving a unicorn head in lapis lazuli brings together two long-standing artistic traditions: the deep blue color once reserved for royalty and the legendary creature celebrated in myth around the world.
Without metaphysical claims, the carving naturally suggests:
Imagination and wonder, reflected through the unicorn’s mythic form
Elegance and rarity, expressed in lapis’s royal blue coloration
Artisan detail, visible in the polished horn and sculpted mane
A meaningful addition to fantasy-themed collections, mythical animal displays, or gemstone carving arrangements.
At 1.75 inches, the carving is compact yet visually striking. The interplay of blue lazurite, white calcite streaks, and gold pyrite flecks makes each unicorn head distinct. The polished finish enhances depth, giving the figure a lifelike, radiant quality.
Lapis is sensitive to acids and prolonged water exposure. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Keep away from harsh chemicals and store separately from harder stones.
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.75 × .50 × 2 in |
