Gemstones

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The National Mines Corporation (NMC) is a key source of Pakistan’s finest gemstones, including emeralds, rubies, topaz, nephrite, and moonstone, mined from Swat, Hunza, Gilgit, and other northern regions.

Major Gemstones Found in Pakistan

Gemstones are naturally occurring precious and semi-precious minerals admired for their beauty, rarity, and durability. They are used in jewelry, ornamentation, and industrial applications, adding both economic and cultural value to a country’s natural resources.

Pakistan is globally recognized as a treasure trove of gemstones, with its northern and northwestern mountain ranges—particularly the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayas—rich in high-quality gems. Major gemstone-producing regions include:

Gilgit-Baltistan: Famous for aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline, quartz, and ruby.
Swat Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): Known for emeralds, peridot, and garnet of exceptional quality.
Chitral and Hunza: Yield spinel, fluorite, and other precious stones.
Balochistan: Hosts agate, chalcedony, and jasper deposits.

Emerald (Swat): Deep green and highly transparent, among the best in the world.
Ruby (Hunza and Gilgit): Known for its rich red color and fine clarity.
Aquamarine (Skardu): Sky-blue crystals of international repute.
Topaz (Katlang, Mardan): Pink, golden, and colorless varieties prized globally.
Peridot (Kohistan): Olive-green stones found in gem-quality form.
Tourmaline: Multicolored crystals, especially in the Northern Areas.
Garnet, Spinel, Quartz, and Fluorite: Commonly used in jewelry and export markets.

Economic Importance and Development Scope

Pakistan’s gemstone sector offers enormous export potential, with global demand for natural and untreated stones continuously rising. Currently, much of the gemstone trade occurs in raw or uncut form, but developing cutting, polishing, and certification facilities can significantly increase value addition and create employment.