Pakistan – A Home to World’s Most Beautiful Precious and Semi Precious Gemstones

Pakistan is regarded as an origin of most beautiful and precious gemstones due to the fact that this country geographically lies in the region where a number of chains of mountains combine. The climate of each of the chain differs from the others. Its impact also comes on the minerals that these mountains contain. Among these lots of minerals, gemstones stand prominent. There are many types of gemstones hidden in the mountains. While the extraction work goes on, one can easily presume that there are unlimited natural reserves. Along with the mechanism of extracting gemstones from the mines, Pakistan also has a market from where these gemstones can be purchased. A few decades ago, Karachi was the biggest market of raw gemstones, but Peshawar took over as Pakistan’s primary gemstone market in 1997 after the liquidation of one in Karachi. Also, there are organizations which hold the responsibility of exporting gemstones to other countries and to the international markets. These organisations include All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association of Rough & Unpolished Precious and Semi-Precious Stones (APCEA) and Pakistan Gems and jewelry Development Company (PGJDC). Now, it would be worth mentioning some of the top gemstones Pakistan is home to.

Rich Green Emeralds

Pakistan has the most beautiful rich green emeralds producing from Swat and Shangla district. The colour of the emerald is very vivid green. 

Aquamarine

If you are fond of cool colors, aquamarine is the gemstone you may find the big attraction. It’s called aquamarine because its blue color which matches with that of ocean. However, it comes in variety of colors which include light blue, blue, and bluish green. This gemstone is thought to be the ideal jewel to be fitted in necklaces and earrings. In Pakistan, this gemstone is found widely in Gilgit Baltistan. The areas whose mountains have this gemstone include Chilas, Shengus, Stak Nala, Childee, Kashmal, Testun, Dassu, Net Tahirabad, Appu Aligund, Fuljo, Braldu, Bashu, and Karma. It is also found in Chagai area of Baluchistan. 

Peridot

Peridot from Kohistan region has absolutely stunning colour. 

Corrundum (Ruby, Sapphire)

Corrundum is found in Pakistan at various regions. Ruby and Sapphire is found in Hunza, Kashmir, Batakundi, Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan Valleys. The colour of rubies and sapphire from Kashmir / Batakundi is absolutely stunning.

Description	Area	Picture
Ruby	Batakundi, Kashmir
Sapphire	Batakundi, Kashmir

Pink topaz

Primarily considered to be originated from Brazil, Pink Topaz is also found in several other countries. Pakistan is one of the places which produce high quality and fine pink topaz. This gemstone comes in pink and orange shades with narrow calcite veins adding much to the overall character of the stone. 

Cognac colored topaz

This type of Topaz is usually found in the Katlang area of Mardan. This gemstone comes in warm colors which include a mix of brown and orange shades.

Black Tourmaline

Although black tourmaline may be found in every continent, the type of it having fine crystals in the structure is quite rare. This rare type is also found in Pakistan. This gemstone is found in the mountains in KPK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Baluchistan. Looking at the history, black tourmaline was started being considered as a gemstone in 1876. But its history dates back to the ancient times when it was a part of several myths which would tend to prove strong connection between this stone and the human spirit. 

Quartz

One of the most asked for semi-precious gemstones is Quartz. In the past, this gemstone had been used for decorative carvings used as handles of swords and battle-knives. Now, the decorative carvings of Quartz are being used for complementing the home decors. Quartz is also used in jewelry. Since this gemstone had been pretty much popular among people in ancient Greece, they referred to this stone as krustallos which is derived from kruos meaning icy cold. They use this reference due to a common belief in their times that gemstones were actually created as a result of further cooling of ice. Although US is thought to be the biggest producer of this gemstone in modern world, it is found in other parts of the world including Pakistan. In Pakistan, Quartz in fine form is found in Swat. 

Garnets

Use of garnet, as gemstone, dates back to the Late Antique Roman world when it was used in the preparation of crowns and bracelets. In the modern world, this gemstone is used in all kinds of jewelry. There are many shades of garnets that include green, red, yellow, and orange. It’s so popular in US that it is declared as state mineral of Connecticut and state gemstone of Idaho. In Pakistan, the origin of this stone is Bajaur Agency which belongs to Tribal Areas of Pakistan. 

Malachite

Malachite is an opaque gemstone with deep green color. This gemstone has had a special importance in ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations. Even now it is used as a preferred gemstone. Although the textures in the structure of this gemstone are formed due to precipitation as a result of chemical reactions, these very shades give this gemstone the necessary character which makes Malachite a special gemstone.  In Pakistan, this gemstone is found in the mountains of Chaghai of Baluchistan.

Yellow Brucite

Yellow Brucite is recent findings in Baluchistan