Loose gemstones, precious stones, loose gem stones, precious. As a result of the unsettled political situation afghanistan has been in an almost constant state of war since the monarchy was overthrown in 1973 the gem mining areas around kabul and jalalabad are virtually inaccessible to foreign gem buyers. Our magnificent selection of refined loose gemstones offers a tremendous variety of stunning precious stones for you to choose from including tanzanite, emerald, ruby and sapphire gem stone options, as well as a number of special monthly precious loose gemstone offerings. At least the servicemen that came back after wwii with low carat gold and natural spinels sold as rubies actually had something interesting. Mining in afghanistan is controlled by the ministry of mines and petroleum, which is headquartered in kabul with regional offices in other parts of the country. From 1707 to 1739, following the reign of aurangzeb, mughal laws gave the emperor and certain noblemen exclusive ownership of gemstones over 5 carats, as well as jewelry. Precious stones of afghanistan afghanistan geological. This book takes the reader through the history of afghanistan. In addition to some spectacular mountain scenery, lush valleys and ancient history. This book omits a systematic description of faults, largely because any. Not only are they buying them from locals, but some are being sold through the px. Bowersox 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.
The beleaguered nation of afghanistan is very well known for its enduring conflict and political and social unrest. Whether adorning a pair of stud earrings, a tennis bracelet, or even an engagement ring, a radiant gemstone lends visual interest to any precious metal. Afghanistans mountains contain a huge, mostly untapped treasure chest of gemstones and precious metals. Alphabetical list of precious and semiprecious gemstones. In portraits as emperor, he is draped in gemstones and gold, and in some paintings depicted on bejeweled thrones, including the famous peacock throne jaffer, 20. Chamberlin 1995, hardcover at the best online prices at ebay. Buy afghanistan gemstones, natural afghani origin gems. Synthetic opal is a manmade material with the playofcolor and appearance of natural opal.
Excellent story, afghanistan has many gemstones available with emeralds, tourmaline, rubies, sapphires, aquamarine, lapis lazuli and kunzite. Two stunning examples include the oppenheimer blue and the pink star. The khyber pass connects afghanistan to pakistan, where afghan gems have been traded for many years. Gemstones of afghanistan is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged crossroads between the near east and the far east. Lapis is the latin word for stone, and lazuli is derived from lajaward, which is the rocks name in farsi. Jahns chapter of gem materials in the industrial minerals and rocks and of the american institute of mining, metallurgical and petroleum engineers, and from j.
Afghanistans ruby and spinel mines are one of the great mysteries of gemology. The gem hunter in afghanistan is a great adventure to discover some of the most spectacular gem mines, people and scenic beauty on earth. Weare one of the main suppliers of rough precious and semipreciousstones in afghanistan and in international markets. Although, most of these references are on the history and geography of afghanistan, there are many references on the geology and gemstones. This is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged crossroads between the near east and the far east. Sep 07, 2007 afghanistans mountains contain a huge, mostly untapped treasure chest of gemstones and precious metals. They continue to be sold online, as well as in markets within the country and worldwide. In recent years it has become widely known that afghanistan produces the finest grade emeralds on the planet. The oppenheimer blue, a vivid blue diamond weighing 14. Historically, rubies and red spinels have been produced from four areas. A status report on gemstones from afghanistan by gary w. Gemstones of afghanistan is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged crossroads between the near east and the far east gemstones of afghanistan features stunning color photographs, original maps, and geographic coordinates of significant mines.
Epub format this is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged crossroads between the near east and the far east. Gemstone education found in virtually every color imaginable, gemstones infuse fine jewelry with a natural brilliance. The crystal shapes are very distinctive and easy to spot, even for a novice. Afghanistan is an important historical gemstone source located on the ancient silk road. Chamberlin 1995, hardcover at the best online prices at. Gem rock auctions is the biggest online marketplace for buying loose or rough gemstones, birthstones and minerals. The language can be very technical but provides a great level of. Afghanistan timepieces, jewelry, eyewear, watches, afghanistan gemstones, afghanistan other gemstones, company introduction. I am working over here to help educate the citizens and it is great to see the true stories about their conditions and hardships that really is so saddening in a basic human level. Gem auctions online gemstones for sale gem rock auctions. Afghan zamarud was established in 2014 in kabul, afghanistan. When one of the authors rh began researching his first book, he became. The characteristic precious stones most desired from afghanistan include.
From the 1970s to 2006 cut gemstones were mostly sold to collectors. They have worked with three afghan governments, the soviets, and the afghan miners developing the gem deposits. In 2006 this changed, the only known deposit of zultanite was now being mined solely for gem production. In addition to some spectacular mountain scenery, lush valleys and ancient history, afghanistan holds a treasure trove of gemstones. Minerals in afghanistan afghanistan and gemstones have been inextricably linked for 6500 years and the country remains rich in precious and semiprecious gemstone deposits figure 1. Tourmaline is fairly easy to check for clarity with a 10x loupe.
Mar 12, 2009 excellent story, afghanistan has many gemstones available with emeralds, tourmaline, rubies, sapphires, aquamarine, lapis lazuli and kunzite. In addition to lapis lazuli, afghanistan has important reserves of other gem varieties. Here are the afghan gemstones i recommend for the inexperienced buyer. Gemstones of afghanistan features stunning color photographs, original maps, and geographic coordinates of significant mines.
This deposit is located deep in the anatolian mountains of turkey. However this enigmatic country has a different, more vibrant side to it. Afghanistan is also home to abundant deposits of rubies, spinel, tourmaline, kunzite, and lapiz lazuli. In spite of the unstable political situation and the extremely. Burma, sri lanka, the thaicambodian border ruby only. Afghanistan gemstones is an afghan precious and semiprecious stones retailer and wholesalers supplying asia, europe and america. The afghan government has recently begun promoting private efforts to. Afghanistan has been blessed with a great variety of precious and semiprecious stones with 73 records of mines, deposits, occurrences and showings. Some of these afghani gems are already on the international market. Bulk gemstones bulk rough rocks bulk rough rocks page 1. Gemstones in the era of the taj mahal and the mughals gems. Natural peridot or zabargad is the substitute gem of natural emerald panna. Bowersox is an explorer, author, gemologist and businessman who has visited afghanistan for thirtyeight years.
Afghanistans ruby and spinel mines ganoksin jewelry making. Lapis comes from the badakhshan province of northern afghanistan, where it has been mined continuously for over 6,000 years. A smithsonian quality collection of gems, and our oneofakind custommade pieces are shown in this book many of which are available for sale. Kunzite from afghanistan with edward boehm by gia duration. Actinolite is a member of a series that contains varying amounts of iron and magnesium. Loose gemstones, precious stones, loose gem stones. Geology of gems the first comprehensive book on the geology of gem deposits. More information will be added as it becomes available. Synthetic aquamarine isnt commonly available commercially.
Within afghanistan, intricate lapis jewelry and artwork have adorned the bodies and homes of everyone from tribal villagers to royal families, and all of those in between, for centuries. Colored diamonds are some of the rarest colored gemstones in the world. Zultanite is one of the few natural colorchange gemstones in the world. Our incredible sapphire precious gem collection features several spectacular options including. Aquamarine is a form beryl that is similar in color to sea water. Quantitative assessmentavailable information is not sufficient to allow a quantitative. Gemstones from afghanistan untold wealth beneath a rugged earth. From movie and concert posters to gaming to cosplay to star wars and beyond, we. I did see my first afghan blue sapphires but these were old stock rejects that couldnt be sold 1012 carats but. Hardcover version this is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged. I bought this used and i dont know why anyone would have sold a signed copy. Emerald and peridot are gemstones suitable for individuals with kanya lagna and mithuna lagna. A handy guide identifying over 170 types of the worlds gemstones with beautiful colour photography taken from the smithsonian institutions archives.
Gemstones of afghanistan and millions of other books are available for. The longterm goals of the ministry are efficient management of natural resources creating job opportunities development of national economy, and encouragement of private sector investments in minerals and hydrocarbons extraction to maximize the income and reinforce the national revenue. The afghan government has recently begun promoting private efforts to mine the gems and. Hardcover version this is the first comprehensive, fullydocumented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this warravaged crossroads between the near east and the far east. I did see my first afghan blue sapphires but these were old stock rejects that couldnt be sold 1012 carats but inky, very included, and horribly cutthese are from wardak and the mines arent currently operating. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. The authors have been associated with afghanistan gemstones and mining for many years.
Tremolite is the mg end, and ferroactinolite the fe end, with actinolite in the middle. What stones to buy in afghanistan jewelry discussion. The following is a list of afghanistan gems and minerals listed in our database. Magnificent gemstones of the world show at karens jewelers sept. Emeralds come primarily from the panjshir valley, northeast of kabul. And, now some of the natural stones that were sold deceptively are worth something. Beautiful peridot gemstones from pakistan from the lot kalki for sale. Lapis lazuli has been mined from badakhshan in afghanistan from ancient times until the present day. A noble color, beautiful, the most perfect of all colors. Not only are they buying them from locals, but some are being sold.
The rough material is thus smuggled across the border to pakistan and sold in the peshawar area. Labradorite is a feldspar gem that can produce bright flashes of iridescent color. The authors have compiled a wideranging and thorough. Top 10 most expensive gemstones sold at auction duration. Click the pictures to get full data, click the x to remove the gem from the list. Gemstones collins gem by cally oldershaw nook book ebook. Mineral news, march, 1996 this is the first comprehensive book on. In fact, some of the earliest records of mining anywhere in the world are from afghanistan, dating back over 6000 years.
The text details the mining methods, production, and the exact locations of the numerous deposits, including the 6500 yearold lapis lazuli mines. Precious stones in afghanistan afghanistan has been blessed with a great variety of precious and semiprecious stones with 73 records of mines, deposits, occurrences and showings. This book is well documented and the reference list of each chapter is extensive. I am sure that if one has the right contacts there is some wonderful stuff to be had in afghanistan, but i suppose an entire marketplace. Stephen challener, conny forsberg, frank, tim, barbra voltaire, fgg, alberto.
Lapis lazuli, mined in the hindu kush since the neolithic period, was transported along the ancient trade routes to mesopotamia, ur, egypt and india. Peridot is used to harness the energies of planet mercury also known as budh in hinduism. Emerald, some of very high quality, has been found in the panjsher valley, which is located approximately 110 km northeast of kabul. Hardcover, glossy 812 x 11, 244page collection edition 110 photographs, maps and figures, including 52 in color. This report describes some of the gem materials currently originating in afghanistan. We have individual verified gemstone stores with sellers located all around the globe. Afghanistans ruby and spinel mines ganoksin jewelry. Mine operators were relieved to finally have a place to sell their stones legally. These gems are well known and commonly bought and sold all over the world. We are bulk seller and you should not depend on counts, but only weights because that is what our prices reflect.
In some cases they are poor quality, some are synthetic, some are glass and some are plastic. Gary bowersox displays his book, gemstones of afghanistan. There is a big scam going on with our soldiers in afghanistan. The authors have been associated with afghanistan gemstones and mining for. The authors have compiled a wideranging and thorough set of. This book takes the reader through the history of afghanistan, to the recent war with the. You can buy treasures directly through our shop or if. This is a very high grade pollucite and rest assure, this is 100% natural. The following prices for topquality cut gemstones, flawless or nearly so, of best color, are taken from recent lists and other sources, including the richard h. Be sure to browse our site and see what else we have to offer. Gem gemstones is an indispensable guide for amateurs and enthusiasts alike. Nov 26, 2017 in his famous book of the arts, written around 1400, the italian painter cennino cennini says of the lapis lazuli pigment. It is based largely on the authors many years of experience dealing with afghan gemstones, his previous travels within the country to purchase gemstones, and his recent september 1985 discussions in pakistan with several prominent afghan miners.
Afghanistan has over 1,400 mineral fields, containing barite, chromite, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, lead, natural gas, petroleum, precious and semiprecious stones, salt, sulfur, talc, and zinc, among many other minerals. Pollucite is a rare zeolite mineral and is rarely found in gem quality to be faceted. Unfortunately not one stone that has been brought to our store was worth the time and trouble to carry it home. Gemstones of afghanistan epub book the gem hunters. Afghanistan, in july, 2004 to examine the geology of the valley and the. About afghanistan gemstones buy gems by country of origin. Gemstones of afghanistan hardcover book the gem hunters. This book takes the reader through the history of afghanistan, to the recent war with the soviets into the present times. Gemstones from afghanistan untold wealth beneath a.
May 06, 2015 kunzite from afghanistan with edward boehm by gia duration. Gemstones of afghanistan is the first book ever written on the geology, history and love of the gems and minerals of this warravished crossroads between the near east and the far east. I am wondering if other gemologists are seeing loose gems from afghanistan coming in for appraisal and identification. Gemstones collins gem by cally oldershaw nook book. Gemstones in the era of the taj mahal and the mughals. Czs are optically flawless whereas the majority of diamonds have inclusions or flaws. Very rare gemstone up for sale is a super rare bright white pollucite. Our troops are coming back with gems and jewelry purchased there.