STONES

AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is a member of the Beryl species. It is the blue variety of Beryl. Other types of Beryl are Emerald (green variety), Morganite (pink variety) and Heliodor (yellow variety). Trace elements of Iron in Beryl give it the blue color it is so coveted for. Its name is derived from Latin word “Aqua Marina” meaning “Water of the Sea” and the name is very apt, as Aquamarine’s greenish blue hues are very reminiscent of the ocean. Aquamarine can range from a very light blue (almost colorless) through to a deep Blue or Greenish Blue.

Aquamarine is a rare gemstone, particularly in its finest color bracket. Aquamarine is a very spiritual gemstone. It is the stone of empowerment and in aligning oneself with the yielding, resilient vitality of life. It enhances women’s intuitive abilities, and aids men to express their inner feelings. In ancient lore and metaphysics, Aquamarine is believed to bring numerous benefits to the wearer.

Aquamarine has been found in all major villages of Gilgit-Baltistan specially from Dassu, Apo Aligone, Wali gone, Tistay, Biano, Saider, Chakpo and Hayderabad Shigar, while Subsar Shangus, Chamacho, Bulachi of Roundu valley, Sumaiyer Nagar and Haramosh area are the prominent places for the deposits of this valuable gemstone.

TOURMALINE

Tourmaline is a gemstone that has been revered for centuries. It carries the distinction of having the widest variety of colors of any gem mineral. Different varieties of Tourmaline carry different values due to their differing rarities. Prices for Tourmaline of all colors have been rising in recent years due to a decrease in supply in the world market, particularly of fine pieces.

Tourmaline has a variety of colors. Iron-rich tourmalines are usually black to bluish-black to deep brown, while magnesium-rich varieties are brown to yellow, and lithium-rich tourmalines are almost any color: blue, green, red, yellow, pink, etc. Rarely, it is colorless.

Tourmaline deposits have been mined all over Gilgit-Baltistan, among them Astak Roundu, Chakpo Shigar and Subsar Roundu are most popular areas.

TOPAZ

Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluorine with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F, OH)₂. It is used as a gemstone in jewelry and other adornments. Topaz in its natural state is a golden brown to yellow.

In Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, the local miners mainly involved in mining of all kinds of topaz but Shangus, Chamachoo, Subsar, Bulachi of Roundu Valley and Yuno, Binsapi, Niat, Dassu, Baha villages of Shigar valley has most famous deposits of topaz and mining areas.

GARNET

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. All species of garnets possess similar physical properties and crystal forms, but differ in chemical composition.

With associations with the heart, blood, inner fire, and life force, garnets have long been considered symbols of love. Garnet symbolism also extends to friendship. ... Because of garnet's association with pomegranate seeds, the stone has come to stand for the safe return of a friend or loved one.

Garnet gemstone has been found in a number of valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan namely Shangus, Chamachoo, Subsar, Bulachi of Roundu Valley and Apo Ali gone, Niat, Dassu, Baha villages of Shigar valley are the prominent areas.

MORGANITE

The gemstone variety known as Morganite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1910. Morganite is the rare pink form of beryl, a mineral family that includes well-known gems such as emerald and aquamarine.

All the members of the beryl family are beryllium aluminum silicates by chemical composition. The different beryl colors are the result of trace elements.

Morganite has been found in Astak, Shangus, Chamacho, Bulachi, Subsar of Roundu and almost all villages of Shigar valley has Morganite potentials and deposits.

QUARTZ

Quartz makes an excellent gemstone. It is hard, durable, and usually accepts a brilliant polish. Popular varieties of quartz that are widely used as gems include: amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz, and aventurine. Agate and jasper are also varieties of quartz with a microcrystalline structure.

Rock crystal, colorless quartz, is rarely used as a gem. However, it is prized by carvers and frequently used as caps for triplets. Amethyst ranges from a light, pinkish violet to an opaque purple. Quartz enhances spiritual growth, spirituality, awareness, and wisdom. ... Quartz is a stone of harmony and is helpful in romantic relationships. Quartz can balance and revitalize the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes. Cleanse and enhance the organs and subtle bodies.

Quartz in all forms has been found in all valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan especially Tormik, Shangus Roundu and Hashupi, Doko, Tissar of Shigar valley famous for the deposit of quartz.

AMETHYST

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. Amethyst is a very popular gemstone which is more affordable than the rare citrine. It works as a great general purpose luck gemstone. It is usually purple, with darker hues being more powerful at bringing in good luck. As with citrine, it also can play a role in bringing more wealth into your life.

Amethyst Quartz stone has been found and mined from Domsom Said village Ghanche and Niaslo Basha Shigar.

SCHEELITE

Scheelite is a calcium tungstate mineral with the chemical formula CaWO₄. It is an important ore of tungsten. Well-formed crystals are sought by collectors and are occasionally fashioned into gemstones when suitably free of flaws. Blue Scheelite, also called Lapis Lace Onyx, is a rare and captivating crystal native to Turkey, is actually a combination of Calcite and Dolomite.

Scheelite is quite soft and is therefore faceted only for collectors of the unusual. It has high dispersion and good fire, and varies in colour from a pale.

Scheelite has been found in the villages Pari and Hamzi Gone Kharmang and Chooq Kachura Skardu where local miners actively doing the said gemstone business.

GOSHENITE

Goshenite is a colorless variety of beryl, named after locality in Goshen, Massachusetts (USA). Goshenite is used as imitation for diamond and emerald. While goshenite is a beautiful stone in its own right, its value as a gemstone is quite low. While goshenite is a beautiful stone in its own right, its value as a gemstone is quite low. It's not a mainstream stone nor is it in much demand compared to other beryls like emerald and morganite.

No trace elements are present in the chemical make-up of goshenite to impart color. Low dispersion may contribute to the infrequent use of goshenite as a desired gem, despite its excellent hardness, toughness, and resistance to corrosive substances.

Goshenite gemstone mines found in Baha, Niat, Dassu, Apo Ali gone, Saider, Chakpo of Shigar valley and Shangus, Chamocho, Subsar of Roundu Valley wherein the local communities engaged in this business last sixty years.

RUBY

Ruby or Manik is a natural, deep pink or blood red colored, precious gemstone of the Corundum family. Vedic astrology recommends rubies to be worn for success.

A ruby is an extremely strong stone. It ranks 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, placing it directly under the diamond and moissanite (a diamond ranks 10.0 on the scale and moissanite falls in between diamonds and rubies). Natural rubies contain imperfections, including color impurities. Additional imperfections are inclusions of rutile needles referred to as “silk.”

In Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan, Bisal Basha Shigar and Aliabad Hunza have the deposits of ruby wherein local population doing the mining of rubies and involved in trading of the said precious stone.

EMERALD

Emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium and/or sometimes vanadium. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Most emeralds are highly included, so their toughness

Throughout the history, emerald stone has symbolized true love and abundant wealth. It has a striking green color that relates emeralds to the beauty of nature, hope, renewal, and growth. No doubt it soothes the distressed souls and offers spiritual awareness when you need it the most. The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation and tone that's not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent. Their color is evenly distributed, with no eye-visible color zoning.

The Emerald precious stone has been found in Chibiri, Doko Shigar Valley and Khaltaro Haramosh area.

DIOPSIDE

As a gem. Gemstone quality diopside is found in two forms: black star diopside and chrome diopside (which includes chromium, giving it a rich green color). Faceted diopside is not extremely rare, but large clean stones are. Colors are usually dark, so a bright and attractive gem is most desirable. The value of this attractive dark green gemstone stone depends mostly on the color saturation. Gemstones with vivid and brilliant green color are considered the most valuable and command a higher price in today's market. As a Type II gemstone, you can expect to see inclusions in chrome diopside.

This green gemstone is also thought to be able to improve intellect and encourages the desire of one to learn. According to metaphysical beliefs, chrome diopside is used to help alleviate aggression or stubbornness while in turn enhancing love and commitment.

Diopside gemstone has been found in Arando Sgigar, Talu Roundu and Haramosh area of Gilgit.

APATITE

Apatite is a naturally occurring gemstone, largely unknown to the general public but prized by collectors for its many different colors and forms. It is basically known for its asparagus green color but it is found in wide range of colors, from colorless to pink, yellow, blue to violet.

While apatite is a common mineral, gem-quality apatite is quite rare. Apatite is known by gemstone connoisseurs especially for two colors; the Paraiba-like blue-green, and the leek-green color that once earned apatite the name 'asparagus stone'.

Astak, Subsar, Shangus of Roundu Valley, Sumair Nagar, Dassu, Niat, Apo Ali Gone Shigar are famous localities for mining and trading of Apitite gemstone.

VIVIANITE

Vivianite is so fragile and soft, any faceted gems would be difficult to handle safely, let alone wear. Nevertheless, its blue and Physically, Vivianite can help in the healing of the body as well. It helps the healing of the eyes, especially if one has cataracts or pink eye. Vivianite also helps strengthen the bones and is recommend for anyone showing signs of senility. Vivianite works well with other heart strengthening stones.

Vivianite is a secondary mineral found in a number of geologic environments: The oxidation zone of metal ore deposits, in granite pegmatites containing phosphate minerals.

Vivianite has been found in Basha and Braldo Shigar Valley.

PARGASITE

Pargasite is a complex inosilicate mineral of the amphibole group with formula This miniature consists of a glassy and transparent to translucent, green Diopside cluster that serves as a backdrop for dozens of gem, cinnamon-hued Hessonite Garnet crystals in the foreground.

Pargasite is a healer of the heart and mender of emotional pain. These energies extract the negative vibrations that have attached themselves to your emotional. Pargasite is a stone that is known as the stone of compassion and love. This stone may help you in being able to love yourself even more easily.

Pargasite gemstone has been found in Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan.

TITANITE

Titanite, or sphene, is a calcium titanium nesosilicate mineral, CaTiSiO₅. Trace impurities of iron and aluminium are typically present. Also commonly present are rare earth metals including cerium and yttrium; calcium may be partly replaced.

Sphene is a collector's gem and is particularly rare when you start talking about a clean stone above 5 carats, the International Gem Society says. As is the case with all gemstones, size creates a premium with this species.

Titanite gemstone has been found in Astak area of Roundu Valley.

Epidote

Epidote is a green, silicate mineral commonly found in metamorphic rocks and some igneous rocks. It typically forms elongated, prismatic crystals or granular masses. Epidote often occurs as a secondary mineral in the alteration of primary minerals like feldspar and amphibole. It is well-known for its vibrant green to pistachio-green coloration, which can be quite eye-catching. Epidote is valued in the field of mineralogy and can also be used as a decorative or ornamental stone in jewelry when it displays attractive crystal formations. In geological terms, epidote can be indicative of specific metamorphic conditions and can provide valuable information about the history of rock formations.

AXINITE

Axinite is a calcium aluminum borosilicate mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, particularly in regions with a history of regional metamorphism. It typically occurs as well-formed, prismatic crystals with a distinctive wedge-shaped or tabular appearance. Axinite crystals often display a range of colors, including brown, green, violet, or reddish-brown.

This mineral is valued by mineral collectors for its unique crystal habit and attractive colors. It is named after the Greek word "axis," meaning "axis" or "shaft," due to its characteristic crystal shape. Axinite can be found in various geological settings but is most commonly associated with schist, skarn deposits, and certain types of hydrothermal veins.

In geology, the presence of axinite in a rock can provide clues about the temperature and pressure conditions during the rock's formation, making it useful for understanding the geological history of the area where it is found.

FLUORITE

Fluorite is a widely recognized mineral known for its beautiful and often vibrant colors. It is composed of calcium and fluorine (CaF2) and occurs in a cubic crystal system. Fluorite crystals can be found in a variety of colors, including purple, green, blue, yellow, and colorless, with some specimens exhibiting multiple colors in distinct zones.

Fluorite is a relatively common mineral and can be found in a range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary deposits, and as a gangue mineral in ore bodies. It is highly prized by collectors for its aesthetic appeal and is often used as a decorative stone or in carvings.

Notably, fluorite has interesting optical properties and exhibits fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light, a phenomenon from which its name is derived. It has various industrial applications, including as a source of fluorine for the production of hydrofluoric acid and in the manufacture of aluminum, steel, and ceramics. In addition to its industrial uses, fluorite has metaphysical and healing properties, and it is sometimes used in jewelry and spiritual practices.

HAMBERGITE

Hambergite is a relatively rare mineral that belongs to the borate mineral group. Here's a brief description of hambergite: Hambergite is a borate mineral with the chemical formula Be2(BO3)(OH,F). It is typically colorless to white and can be transparent to translucent. It was named after the Swedish chemist and mineralogist Axel Hamberg.

Hambergite is often found in granite pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks with exceptionally large crystals. It is associated with other minerals like tourmaline, beryl, and quartz in these environments. The mineral is notable for its strong cleavage and brittle nature.

In terms of its uses, hambergite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and enthusiasts due to its scarcity and crystal habit. It is not commonly used for industrial purposes. Its delicate appearance and rarity make it a sought-after specimen in mineral collections, and its crystals are admired for their aesthetic qualities.

HEMATITE

Hematite is a common and important iron oxide mineral. Here's a brief description of hematite: Hematite, often referred to as iron ore, is a metallic-gray to black mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3. It is one of the most abundant and economically significant iron-bearing minerals found in the Earth's crust. Hematite can appear in various forms, including botryoidal (globular), reniform (kidney-shaped), and massive, as well as as tabular or rhombohedral crystals.

Hematite is a primary ore of iron and is used extensively in the production of iron and steel. It's also utilized in various other industries, including manufacturing pigments for paint, polishing compounds, and jewelry. Hematite jewelry, often in the form of beads and cabochons, is popular due to its dark and shiny appearance.

RHODOCHROSITE

Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with the chemical formula MnCO3. It typically occurs in transparent to translucent crystals, often with a range of pink to rose-red hues. Its coloration is the result of manganese impurities within the crystal structure. Rhodochrosite crystals can form in various shapes, including rhombohedral, scalenohedral, and prismatic forms.

This mineral is particularly prized by mineral collectors and gem enthusiasts due to its vibrant color and attractive crystal formations. It is also used in the creation of ornamental and lapidary items, including cabochons and jewelry pieces.

Overall, rhodochrosite is renowned not only for its geological significance but also for its aesthetic and metaphysical appeal.

VAYRYNENITE

Väyrynenite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula Mn2+Be(PO4)(OH,F). It typically appears in various shades of pink, reddish-brown, or brownish-red. Väyrynenite is often found in prismatic or tabular crystal forms, and its crystals can be transparent to translucent.

Väyrynenite is typically found in granite pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks with exceptionally large crystals. It is often associated with other minerals like beryl, tourmaline, and other phosphate minerals.

Overall, Väyrynenite is a mineral of geological and mineralogical significance, known for its unique composition and its presence in specific geological environments.

TRIPLITE

Triplite is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula (Mn,Fe)2(PO4)(F,OH). It typically appears in various shades of brown, ranging from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, and it can sometimes be nearly black. Triplite often occurs in prismatic or tabular crystal forms, but it can also be found in massive or granular aggregates.

Triplite is found in a variety of geological settings, including pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. It is often associated with other phosphates and minerals such as apatite, lazulite, and spodumene.

Overall, triplite is a mineral of geological and mineralogical significance, appreciated for its beauty and its presence in various geological environments.

ZIRCON

Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates and has the chemical formula ZrSiO4. It typically occurs in a variety of colors, including colorless, yellow, brown, red, and blue, with some gem-quality specimens being used as gemstones. The most prized zircons in the gem trade are those with high clarity and vibrant colors.

Zircon is also known for its unique optical properties, including its ability to show dispersion, which is the splitting of light into its spectral colors. This characteristic adds to its beauty as a gemstone.

In summary, zircon is a versatile mineral with geological, industrial, and gemological importance, making it highly regarded and widely used in various fields.