Before we get into the whole of Afghanistan’s Lapis Lazuli Mines topic…
First, I will set some ground rules for myself and ask that you kindly keep to the same in any commenting (these are pretty much the rules I stick to for what I post about, in general, so I can discern if it’s within the realm of what our community is expecting to learn from me and also not contribute to any division or separation… certain topics have a way of doing that even if it’s not the original intention)
Ground Rules
- No political discussion – please put politics aside
- No religious discussion – please put religion aside
- No vaccine discussion – please put opinions aside (WTH does that have to do with this topic? I don’t know — but somehow, lately, it ends up sneaking into everything so I’m just putting it out there… stay off this topic here too.)
- No bringing up the general ethics of mining minerals (I’ve already written an opinion piece on that topic here, feel free to dive in deep and comment there on that — BUT NOT HERE).
(Any rule-breaking comments will simply be deleted… so please don’t bother wasting your time.)
Fouling up Afghanistan’s Lapis Lazuli Mines
So yep, we’re talking about the extremely attractive + valuable semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli here again today. In case you didn’t know, the out-of-the-way Afghan province of Badakshan has been the birthplace of most of the world’s beautiful and highly coveted Lapis Lazuli for at least 6,000 years.
In spite of being one of the poorest countries on the planet, geologists value Afghanistan’s ancient mine shafts and mineral resources at approximately $1 trillion!!
Yeah, TRILLION with a “T”.
So today I want to AGAIN, address the topic of the Taliban fouling up Afghanistan’s cherished Lapis Lazuli mines (and that of other minerals too). It was previously reported that the Afghan Lapis Lazuli profits were being channeled directly into the pockets of senior politicians, leaders, and top officials, but at the same time, had also become a major source of income for the Taliban and other revolutionary militias. Of course, not being there in person to witness this, I’ve been going off of the many reports from both media and first-hand eye witness of mineral dealers from that area.
Word on the street is that:
All Afghan mineral sources (not just lapis) were the property of the government, but several years ago the Badakshan mines were commandeered by a former general, now-warlord, Abdul Malik.
By “leasing” the rights to use the mines out to illegal miners, it now seems Malik essentially declared the mine his (and the Taliban’s) and is raking in millions of dollars per year!
And, due to recent events, it seems that The Taliban is now in FULL control (more so now than ever before!) of $1 trillion worth of illegal mining of minerals — stealing from Afghanistan’s extraordinary natural abundance.
In addition to the corruption I’ve already addressed, Afghanistan ranks a measly 165th out of 180 countries in the Transparency International’s latest assessment/report on dishonest and criminal trade around the Earth.
The United Nations has approximated that the Taliban’s mineral income is their second-largest source of revenue. Opium being the first.
Hence, Afghan lapis is indeed a conflict mineral — in case there was any doubt.
You can read more on this topic in this BBC article if you like.
THIS IS NOT NEW!
I’ve been reporting on it, researching, and trying to bring attention to this matter for five years:
- In 2016, Lapis Lazuli | the New Blood Diamond?
- I gave an update on the situation in 2019, Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties, Correspondences and Meanings
This is a topic I’ve been quite passionate about —
yet still uneasy about addressing for the very same reasons that it made me nervous when I first brought it up back in 2016. But due to recent events, I feel I have a responsibility to bring it up… again.
Five years ago, when this problem first came to light for me, I decided I have a duty to take advantage of the platform I’m very grateful to have here in our online crystal community. I decided to ignore my little uneasy sensations and energy (when I get those feelings it usually means that I SHOULD share my thoughts).
What gives me this anxiousness around addressing this issue?:
- the controversy
- the political energy around it
- possibly not having all the facts straight
- using the word “Taliban” on the open Internet
Thoughts going through my head:
- Maybe, some will get very angry with me for bringing it up (because it will leave them stuck with lapis stock they cannot move.)
- Maybe I’ll get canceled. (Can’t think of a reason why I should but these days, some get offended + “off to the races” social media goes — so WHO KNOWS!)
- Maybe I’m wrong to keep bringing it up… but I feel a stronger need than ever to bring awareness to this situation.
Why?
Well, it seemed in the past when I brought it up — it was viewed as an inconvenient truth that no one really wanted to hear about or pretend wasn’t happening. I could tell because other topics I talked or blogged about would get high engagement but this one?… sort of stayed MUM.
“Sweep that shit under the crystal shop rug!”
For both certain sellers and for some who wanted to go on blissfully collecting their Lapis and perhaps pretending false ignorance, ignoring + burying their head in the sand gave them a handy permission slip I suppose.
Maybe I’m wrong about this. And I’m not trying to tell you what the solution here is! I’m no expert in this area and certainly not qualified to come up with a solution. And I’m not doing this to purposely ruffle feathers either.
I just want:
- you to be informed
- tell you what I’m doing
- and then you can discern for yourself what the right thing FOR YOU to do is.
Hopefully, this time, with your help, this blog post and info will get more eyes and attention on it than the last two have. I just want us all to have the knowledge first and then you can make an informed decision.
My mission is to create a knowledgeable Crystal Family so that we can make wise + knowledgeable decisions when adding specimens to our sacred collection.
Lapis scarab. Walters Art Museum [Public domain]
Not sorry.
Why else should we care and be aware?
This is a perfect example of how illegal trade in a mineral that was left ignored + unchecked (for at least five years that I know of) can eventually lead to profiteering, exploitation and also open the door for groups like the Taliban to thrive and take over.
Common Afghan Minerals
Lapis isn’t the only mineral to watch out for!
Other popular Afghan minerals include:
- fluorite
- various corundums: rubies, sapphires
- various quartz
- various tourmaline
- emerald
- garnet
- various beryls: aquamarine, emeralds
- kunzite
- topaz
What I’m Doing
I’m still sticking to my old game-plan:
When I first learned of the issue, I decided years ago not to purchase ANY Lapis Lazuli until I hear that things have been restored to normal there. Sadly, it’s clear that things have gotten worse.
When I addressed this back in 2016, I also decided to alter our required school supplies for my Certified Crystal Practitioner Course to make sure not to include any lapis at all.
Used with permission. (photo credit: fr:User:Luna04 )
So, I’m still not purchasing any new lapis (even if it’s been around in someone’s shop for years) — because that will create a void, a demand in the supply chain; a need for the shop owner to get more for someone else. (Unless that shop owner chooses to not carry Lapis).
No, I’m not dumping or getting rid of the lapis I had acquired before this all came to light. What good would that do? Just as I’ve acknowledged that my diamond wedding ring is most likely a Blood Diamond. We now know better, we do better. That’s the way I see it anyway.
Please, don’t take that as a suggestion. I’m not preaching what anyone else should do. As I’ve said before, I don’t know what the right solution is! This is just what I’ve decided to do and all I want is the word to get out about this and for it to NOT be ignored. Perhaps you can post a good solution or idea in the comments below? But let’s please keep the dialogue OPEN on this and not shut it down.
If you’d like to help; sharing this post in as many places as you can think of would be really supportive and useful!
GOOD NEWS: You Have Lapis Options!!!
Check out my tips here on that.
This Lapis is from Chile, show more grey (calcite) and no pyrite… but it’s still the real deal.
These tips (link above) haven’t changed since 2016. 🙂
Fake Lapis is an Issue Too!
Ugh. The fakes. Another thing to watch out for.
Yes, due to the high prices of lapis it’s a commonly faked mineral.
A Request
If this is resonating with you… if you agree with some or all my points here then —
**Please SHARE this info with other crystal lovers so that we all stay in the know and well-informed.
And whatever your thoughts, please do share your comment below. I don’t mind a respectful debate at all. We can disagree and still be friends. ♥ 🙂 But please do remember to mind my rules from above. Thank you!
Crystal Blessings,
When I first ready your report way back when it first came out I quit even looking at Lapis for projects. Thank you for sharing this again as now we need to step up to the plate and put a stop to what is happening.
Thanks for your commitment, Barbara ♥
I think your account of all this is very true to yourself without putting pressure on anyone, as we are all free to have our own options and our own way of how we deal with any situation , thank you for your news on this it was great reading
Thanks, Sandra ((HUGS))
Thank you for this important message.. indeed I will pass this knowledge to my fellow crystal shop owners and friends.
Thank you for this!
This is something I was unaware of. I’m glad you’ve brought attention to it.
As a new CCP current cohort and still a crystal newbie – I had no idea about this so I very much appreciate this info! Thanks!
I stopped buying Lapis when I learned about it also. I have the ones I bought years before 2016. My parents and brother wear their Lapis bracelets. I even had some beads grounded up and used it in a painting. It’s such a travesty. My friends have been asking me for Lapis and I keep telling them about the mines. Unfortunately, I know someone who still buys and sells Afghan Lapis.
Thanks for doing your part, Jin Jin!! ♥
Thank you. This is great information.
This is an issue the Crystal community really should not ignore. Thanks for bringing it up again. Sometimes all we can do is keep putting information out there hoping people will pay attention.
Exactly, Dianna. Thanks for your help!
Thank you for bringing sane attention to this. I appreciate all you do in keeping us informed. I haven’t bought LL since I read your article, and am grateful for the little bit I have.
That’s how I feel too Stephanie, grateful. ♥
Thank you for not only sharing what is going on but also listing alternatives and options! This is a very helpful overview of the issue and what we can do about it.
TY Molly!! ♥
I want to thank you for getting this information out! I read your original post about it and was shocked. Not just because it was new information for me, but because NOBODY else seems to be talking about it! This should be BIG news among crystal buyers and sellers, yet it’s not. I mean, I share it and I bet other people who follow your posts do, but… This is definitely news that needs to be shared.
OK, so I’m not crazy. It has been swept under the rug then, right?
I don’t think that you’re crazy at all!! It seems to be the new norm of sweeping things under the proverbial rug. It’s sad and disheartening to me!!
For what it’s worth, this news is pretty big and ongoing on TikTok! A LOT of sellers on there are ceasing carrying it, and a lot of people are saying they’re not going to buy anymore. At least there’s one platform it’s not being swept under.
I agree with everything that has been stated here, I do not support this kind of thing, I do not purchase lapis anymore either, thank you Hibiscus Moon for your courage to get the information to us all ♥️
Always happy to do whatever I can. TY for sharing!
Thank you so much for this information, as it is not something I would have heard or seen on my own. I appreciate your continued “service” in the crystal community.
I do what I can, Alice. 🙂
Thank you for the information. I will pass it along to anyone who will listen and not even consider buying any myself unless I know it’s from Chile or somewhere that causes no harm to anyone
Thank you so much, Bob!!
Thank you for publicly standing up for your beliefs and following through with positively intentioned action. Also thank you, for the information. There are so many ways things are funded. We need to pay attention to what is behind the curtain. We need more people, like YOU, who are willing to do this sort of thing.
I’m not like this with all issues, but with this one, I feel a responsibility to it. TY!!
It really does make sense to ask where the Crystals come from! And let that be as much a part of our buying decisions as we would for our food!
Thanks for the article. Not a popular topic for sure. But it does plant seeds – so keep sharing it ????
Planting seeds is all I can ask for ♥ 🙂
Thank you for sharing! My aunt and I love buying crystals of all kinds, including Lapis. I will be sure to share this information with her!
Thanks so much, Jessica. ((HUGS))
I was not aware of such ways of handling the mining of LL. It’s very sad and a shame. I own one piece of such Crystal and committed to NOT acquire anymore.
Thank you for sharing such important information. Especially with people like me, who are fairly new to this magnificent world of Crystals. Blessings to all!!
TY, Veronica! It’s my pleasure to help get the word out.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I know that artist pigment in the past has had lapis in it , so I did a search to see if they still use it in some paints, and they do! There are several brands of paint that still put Lapis Lazuli in it. Will also keep in mind the other minerals to be aware of.
Wow! I had no idea. Thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you so much for this. So there is no such thing as ethically sourced lapis from Afghanistan. Good to know. I have one stone and one bracelet and I will cherish them. ????????????
Thank you for re-raising and addressing this issue so openly. I really appreciate the inclusion of alternatives as well! I’m very glad to see this topic getting more attention, reminders certainly never hurt…
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I had no idea! I suppose it’s part of the reason I enrolled in your program.
If we as a crystal community, learn how our supplies of beautiful crystals and stones are acquired, we as a collective should be more aware of any and all atrocities happening in those areas. We buy sustainably harvest Palo Santo and Sage. Our crystals should be purchased from regions where these things do not happen. I have several pieces of Lapis Lazuli in my collection that I have had for quite some time. It isn’t a stone I resonate with and this may be the reason. I will keep it in a safe place but will not purchase any more Afghan pieces. We as a collective need to stand against this and say “NO THANKS”!!! Thank you again for bringing this to the forefront. We all need to know these things.
Thank you for shedding more light on this tragic subject … when you first posted about it I was so shocked and it gave me that sick feeling in my stomach straightaway. I’m completely with you in that there needs to be much more awareness within our Crystal community and within the World , tbh .. especially now. I currently know several people who sell crystals , not sure they know about the LL crisis , I’m surely going to reiterate to everyone I know , the TRUTH in the matter. Thank you Hibiscus Moon for doing this post , given the climate of today , it surely needs to be said . Rest assured I will do my part .. much much love and Crystalline light to you and yours ????????????????☀️????
Thank you for sharing this information! I never knew about the mining situation in Afghanistan. It is important to me to be an informed, well educated student (and future crystal practitioner). I appreciate you sharing.
Thank you for sharing HM, this is going to sound really weird but this is one stone I have not been drawn to buy, and I couldn’t understand why even though I did not know about all the drama and the Taliban link, so happy I don’t have any, and now thanks to you sharing this info I can make an informed decision going forward.
Always grateful and blessed to be a part of this community and will be sharing wherever I can online and when chatting to people.
Love & Light
Tracy x
Thank you for sharing this information. Very insightful and it is up to all of us to be responsible crystal buyers or purchasers to ensure products are ethically sourced. One question I do have, do you have any other posts on other crystals that are also not ethically sourced? One seller told me that Congo Citrine in particular, or Congo in general. They advised that nothing in that land is being done ethically, and the women and children there are suffering. Would love your take on this.
Thank you for sharing this . I had no idea!
Completely agree with your approach and choices around this topic. It was your post from 2016 that brought awareness of this issue to me; I’m grateful every time I see you post about it again. The message is definitely worth repeating. As you said, as we learn better, we do better. I always inquire where my stones are coming from. Thank you, HM <3
Thank you so much for keeping this in the forefront! I appreciate the information and I will surely pass this along.
Please keep doing the great work you do, it is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks for the reminder about this. I recently picked up a couple small square pieces that look just like the Lapis from Chili that you showed in the picture. I am not sure if it actually is from Chili but it looks like it. I love Lapis and have some pieces that I have owned for a long time but I won’t buy more unless I can be sure it is not from Afghanistan.
Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for sharing this information. Very well done blog post…as always! So grateful for the work you do!
I am happy to learn about this but sad because I will take it out of my shop and many will not be able to enjoy it. I too will make a post on my business page and sell what I have left and that will be it. I will not knowingly support the Taliban.
The last time I actively bought lapis was the day your first blog came out. I do have some beautiful, beautiful lapis pieces that I keep in my library, but for 5 years I haven’t bought anything thanks to you HM!
Beyond the current conflict, as you mentioned you had posted in 2016, I had no idea about the state of these resources. Thank you for sharing.
Sadly I am just learning about this even though it’s been going for several years. I am glad I’ve been enlightened. What should I do with the many pieces I already have? I am a seller and have pulled them from sale but not sure what to do with them??
Thank you, I did not know anything about this!!! I do have some very pretty L.L. but will purchase no more from Afghanistan!
Thank you. I’ll be sure not to buy any stones from Afghanistan, especially Lapis. And, I will pass the information on to everyone I know. I appreciate how much you care and that you share important information as you do. Much appreciated.
The message has definitely been heard and now seen. I am new to the community and didn’t know as much. Thank you for doing your part and sharing!! I’ll continue to do mine now as well.
Kudos for having the courage to again address a topic that people have been “mum” about in the past and for being able to admit that you may or may not have all the facts straight. Too often these days people cannot admit when they might be wrong. This blog post has really opened my eyes and I thank you for the insight given. I haven’t bought any lapis in the past few years and the last time I did was through a Pakistan connection. Does Pakistan even mine for lapis?? Either way, I won’t be purchasing any more!
Thank you HM for never staying silent and giving us this information. You shine a light that wasn’t there before and knowledge is power! We can do better when we know better!
I’m sorry that I was not aware of this, until now. I purchased a few pieces of Lapis, a couple of months ago, for my own collection and one as a gift. I wish I had seen your previous article, earlier. Thank you for bringing light to this situation.
Getting ready to film a paranormal tv show to air this winter. I could help bring awareness to this issue and article.
The first I’ve heard of this was a live sale last night, and the seller said her pieces had been purchased “before all of this stuff started going on in Afghanistan”, but I think she believes it to be a new problem. I feel bad that I have purchased a few pieces of Lapis this year, but they will be the last Afghan Lapis for me. Thank you for bringing this to light!
Talking about something makes it more “real” and helps others be aware. Happy to see there is an alternative source ❤️
Thanks for the info. Will be using lapis that I already bought from now on!
Thank you for shedding light on this situation. This wonderful beautiful resource is caught in the middle. I agree with you HM I appreciate your knowledge and love for crystals and sharing of what is going on.
Thank you for sharing this, HM. Usually I don’t believe crystal sellers who say that their minerals are “ethically sourced” because unless one digs up a mineral themself, they have no way of knowing its origin. However, it’s very clear that Lapis-lazuli and other mineral sales from Pakistan are profiting the taliban, and I refuse to support terrorists. I’ll definitely share this.
Thank you! I had No Idea! I really need Lapis right now for my Hashimoto’s BUT not at the expense of supporting Terrorists. That’s just bad ju-ju!
The part you wrote about “taking off a shelf would leave a void” really resonated. By halting purchasing I feel
like that is giving me good energies in itself✨
So sad about the others as well. From what you shared I am going to look at the locations of where my “babies” are coming from and be very selected.
Do I think it will have an impact on the Trillion dollar business?, no but it will definitely make a difference in my soul✨and that’s what matters most????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Thank you HM for your honesty, truth and courage ????????????????
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I have posted this on my Instagram and MeWe Crystal Lovers group. I don’t think people realize what is going on. I love your honesty and courage for telling us without getting all political. Well said with facts and options. I love this article
Thank you for sharing this information again. When I first saw your post about Afghan Lapis I also stopped buying any lapis – yep, done, not in alignment with the energy I want to be putting into the world.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for reminding us all about Lapis. I haven’t purchased any more since your last informative warning. I so appreciate your valuable knowledge about crystals and will continue to share your knowledge with others. Are there any other particular crystals from Afghanistan that we should be concerned about. There is no way I want to support these leaders. Thank you for your hints on fake Lapis. Very informative. YOU, ROCK!!! ???? ????
I had no idea, but do now and will make sure I know origin before purchasing any Lapis – and will try to become more knowledgeable about the origin of all crystals. Thank you for all that you do for our crystal community!
Thank you for the post. I hadn’t know about this but it explains why I was drawn to create a grid using the Lapis I have. I inherited Lapis jewellery when my mother passed and I have a couple pieces purchased years ago. My plans now are to:
1. Spread the word so we no longer contribute to the further exploitation of these beautiful crystal souls.
2. Further cleanse the Lapis I have in a ritual that not only realigns them vibrationally, but also works to transmute the negative energy that is associated with them.
3. Meditate with my Lapis sending healing love through them to their homeland and to those suffering under corruption and oppression.
4. Remind my Lapis that I love each one of them unconditionally. The evil is in their exploiters and not any fault of these beautiful crystal beings.
I want to take social, moral and ethical responsibility here but at the same time try not to add negative judgement energy to the situation. Such is the dilemma I feel we all face in these turbulent times.
Blessings.
I agree with what you’ve said. It’s very important not to buy it!
I stopped some time ago when I read your articles.
There are many inconvenient truths that need addressing and this is one of them!
Thank you for this. I have two pieces I bought at car boot sales in the uk. So quite old but I will not buy any more.
Hi,
I think you should reach out to La Naturess on instagram,share your post and ask them for their views on it.
They are a Canadian Company that sell crystals and are Afghans living in Canada so I think they have a very different view from you.
Lapis helps their family survive there and stoping to buy it worsen their living conditions.
So I think you would have a very interesting discussion with Tanya who is the owner and such a sweet soul.
She will tell you what facts are true and those that are not since her family is working in the Lapis industry in Afghanistan.
Hope to hear your feedback if you reach out to her ????????
Have a great WE
Thank you for sharing this! For some reason, while I love many blue crystals, Lapis has never resonated with me. Maybe this is why…..
I love Lapis and meditate with it a lot. However, I will not be buying any more Afghani LL. I will also make my sellers aware. Thank you for this information
Thank you Hibiscus Moon. Very informative and very important. Please take care and be well! Best,
Heather
Thank you for highlighting this issue. In fact, many times I find that some crystal retailers in my country (Trinidad) do not actually know the original source of their crystals. I am going to forward this article to the one I patronize as I know they are very socially conscious.
“Know your sources” is always a good rule of thumb. Thanks for bringing this to light. Lapis is one of my mother’s favorite stones. I’m rather fond of its energies too. Thank the powers there are alternative sources. The socially and ecologically mindful harvesting of our mineral wealth has been a hot topic around the world for years. Perhaps seeing a rising interest in another market will encourage change. I wish you the best of luck in spreading the word.
Thank you Stephanie for telling us about this – I had no idea, and I didn’t see your 2016 post about this. I love lapis and have a few small tumbles stones, which I love, but I won’t buy more now that I know better. When we know better, we do better.
I really like what you said, and I feel this way about Life,when people know better, I think they do better, at least that is true for me. Holly
Thank you so very much for sharing this information repeatedly. I have bought no lapis for years because of your perseverance in sharing what’s going on in Afghanistan. With the daily awareness now in the news about the takeover of Afghanistan by repeated human rights infractors,financed by their mining trade, I have buckled down in my quest to learn more about which crystals & gems are mined in that country. I have written a brief blurb on my business page about it with a link to your article. I feel as you do that as a crystal practitioner & teacher of healing modalities, it is my responsibility to inform my clients & students about the Afghan lapis status. Thank you for your work & honesty always. Many blessings.
THANK YOU for always having our backs and providing such important information. I’m so glad I purchased my Lapis many years ago. You are one of my most valuable resources of crystal information and I’m so blessed to have you! Blessings!
Thank you for the very informative article on Lapis. I’m sure like so many of us crystal lovers, I had no idea. I will certainly not be purchasing any more lapis moving forward & I will be sharing with all my fellow crystal enthusiasts !!
Trust me i didn’t know this much about Lapis. even the 1 trillion value really? Crystals and herbs have power
First of all, thank you for covering this sensitive topic. It’s always best to be informed.
I spoke with one of my suppliers in Pakistan, who gets his Lapis from Afghanistan. While he understood my concerns, he said that very poor people do the actual mining and they would starve without it being bought.
Even with this knowledge and my concern for these people, I have stopped buying it from Afghanistan. I pray for these people to be taken care of.
I now have an ethical source from Pakistan. What are your thoughts about Lapis that is mined in other countries?
I love Lapis! Thank you for informing us about the Chile option…I had no idea about that source for lapis. That is what I will ask my crysrtal shops for now.
It’s a very interesting topic indeed.
I love this stone and only now its “sustainability” crossed my mind.
I bought two lapislazuli beads ages ago and used them in a pair of earrings I made for me and I don’t think I’d have the possibility to buy more, in the future.
But if I do, whatever the stone, I’ll make sure it’s safe and ethical.
Thank you for raising the issue.
I had no idea regarding the source. Thank you for this. I know of the poppy trade/opiate market that comes out of the Middle East. I also know of the oil trade. No one talks about precious stones, minerals, and crystals! So appreciative of you shedding light on this practice.
Thank you for this information. I will be more mindful with my crystal purchases moving forward.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your courage. I remember your earlier post on the subject and at the time I was making jewelry and decided to exclude lapis at that time and also advised others about the issue. I will continue to do so and foreword this.
Thanks for all you do
Margaret
I’ve REALLY been out of the loop with your blog, and as I sit here with lapis being literally the ONLY crystal (recently purchased) on my desk, I’m like, “my bad”. Thank you for sharing this info. “Know better, do better”. And I have always thought of myself as pretty well-informed…
Thanks for sharing such important information! I want to share that there is actually a place you can purchase lapis lazuli that was mined in Colorado. Blue Wrinkle Mine on North Italian Mountain outside of Crested Butte is closed now but the owner has a huge stock from the mine. I bought a beautiful carved bird there a few years ago & it’s one of my favorite pieces. The shop is Zacchariah Zypp & Co. & he’s a great guy, very informed. Love your site & I will be following! Peace, Cindy
Thank you for the article, I liked it very much, it was very helpful to me