Nephrite

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National Mines Corporation offers premium crystal quartz, vital for glass, electronics, and decorative applications.

jade family mineral

Nephrite is a valuable and ornamental mineral belonging to the jade family, prized for its smooth texture, toughness, and elegant green hues. It is a silicate of calcium and magnesium, often found in metamorphic rocks. Nephrite is used mainly for gemstones, carvings, and decorative items, making it one of the most cherished semi-precious stones in the world.

- Pakistan is blessed with significant deposits of high-quality nephrite jade, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions:
  - Swat Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): The most famous source of green and dark-green nephrite, often referred to as “Swati Jade.”
  - Kohistan and Shangla Districts: Known for dense, durable nephrite veins suitable for both carving and jewelry.
  - Gilgit-Baltistan: Small-scale occurrences reported in Skardu and Hunza, adding to the country’s jade variety.

- Jewelry: Crafted into rings, bracelets, pendants, and beads.
- Carvings & Sculptures: Used for decorative art, ornaments, and cultural artifacts due to its fine polish and strength.
- Industrial Uses: Finely ground nephrite can be used in abrasives and certain refractory applications.

Economic Importance and Development Scope

Nephrite from Pakistan is highly valued in international markets, especially in China, Japan, and the Middle East, where jade holds deep cultural and symbolic importance. The Swat nephrite jade is comparable in quality to some of the best global varieties, offering a great export and investment opportunity. Establishing cutting, polishing, and certification facilities in Pakistan could greatly enhance its market value and create local employment in gemstone processing and trade.