Sage-Tips

What gems is Afghanistan known for?

Although Afghanistan has historically been well known for its lapis lazuli deposits, significant amounts of fine emerald, tourmaline, kunzite, and some rubies are now emerging from that embattled nation. Emeralds come primarily from the Panjshir Valley, northeast of Kabul.

Which gemstones are found in Afghanistan?

Gemstones from Afghanistan

• Lapis Lazuli. Lapis Lazuli has been mined in the high country of Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan for thousands of years and this area is still the world’s main source of this precious gemstone.
• Kunzite.
• Morganite.
• Emerald.
• Aquamarine.
• Hiddenite.
• Tourmaline.
• Beryl.

What crystals are mined in Afghanistan?

Precious gems including emeralds, ruby and sapphires (Figure 2) are mined in Afghanistan, and semi-precious lapis lazuli, tourmaline, aquamarine, kunzite, topaz, garnets, fluorite and varieties of quartz are also worked. Afghanistan is also a source of good quality mineral specimens sought by collectors.

Is there any diamond in Afghanistan?

The revenue from the Ministry of Mines is estimated to be 1/3 of all Afghanistan government revenue by 2016. Afghanistan has almost every type of gemstone in the country. Diamonds have not been discovered yet, however if they are to be discovered it will be in Badakshan or Panjshir due to the geology of those areas.

What is Afghanistan Jade?

Serpentine (also called Afghanistan Jade, Bowenite, Tangiwaite or Tangawaite) means “stone snake” and is an amazing healing gem! In crystal healing, the Serpentine crystal meaning harnesses powerful healing energy that works to create an energetic and protective shield around the body.

Does Afghanistan have emeralds?

Panjshir Emerald / Afghanistan Emerald. Panjsher Emerald (also known as Afghanistan emerald) is one of the finest varieties of emeralds which is found in the Panjsher Valley, Afghanistan. These gems boast a unique bluish-green color that can rival the emeralds from any other popular origin.

What precious metals are in Afghanistan?

Now that U.S. assistance has evaporated and international aid is largely shut off, what options does Afghanistan have? One possibility resides in natural resources. Afghanistan possesses a wealth of nonfuel minerals whose value has been estimated at more than US$1 trillion.

Is Afghan Jade the same as Onyx?

Commonly known by the trade names Afghanistan Green Onyx or Afghanistan Jade Onyx this beautiful, green and brown banded stone is not technically onyx but is actually travertine, a variety of aragonite.

Is Jade a serpentine?

Serpentine may be confused with jadeite or nephrite because of its similar coloration, and is sometimes known as ‘Koren jade’, ‘serpentine jade’ or ‘new jade’. Serpentine however, is softer and scratches more easily than true jade, but it is often used as a jade substitute.

Are Afghanistan emeralds good?

Due to its fabulous color, exceptional clarity and brilliant luster, Panjsher emerald or Afghan emerald is regarded as a highly coveted emerald variety in the international gem market. The quality of the Panjsher emerald or Afghan emerald is primarily assessed by its color, clarity, luster and cut.

How much are emeralds in Afghanistan?

There is a large quantity of pencil-shaped rough coming from the mountains of Afghanistan, material once regarded as waste by some miners and buyers. Groom said that with today’s technology, these stones can be cut into melee that command on average $500–$1500 per carat.

What are the best mineral deposits in Afghanistan?

This information comes from the Ministry of Mines engineers who have surveyed the country looking for mineral deposits! One of the first gems that come to mind when anyone thinks of Afghanistan is Lapis Lazuli. The country has the best deposits in the world for this rock that is blue or purple in color with pyrite and calcite inclusions.

What is the best gemstone to buy in Afghanistan?

The most sought after colors by merchants and customers here are: mint green, blue, dark pink and bi-color. Aquamarine from Afghanistan is often very pale in color. However, the crystals are large and the clarity can be quite good. Sizes of rough gemstones can be 150 carats or more.

Are there diamonds in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan has almost every type of gemstone in the country. Diamonds have not been discovered yet, however if they are to be discovered it will be in Badakshan or Panjshir due to the geology of those areas. This information comes from the Ministry of Mines engineers who have surveyed the country looking for mineral deposits!

What is the best place to find emeralds in Afghanistan?

Panjsher is the most famous emerald deposit in Afghanistan and is well known for the quality of emeralds it produces. The emeralds I have seen have great color. The stones are often heavily fractured due to the mining process in the area.