Crystals from Afghanistan

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Crystals from Afghanistan — Ancient Gems From the Hindu Kush Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountain range — part of the vast collision zone where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge — has been a source of precious minerals for over 6,000 years. The Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan province are the world's oldest known source of lapis lazuli, supplying the deep blue stone used in Egyptian pharaonic jewelry, Mesopotamian cylinder seals, and the ultramarine pigment that colored Renaissance paintings. Today, Afghan mineral deposits continue to yield world-class tourmaline, kunzite, aquamarine, emerald, and spinel. Afghan tourmaline from Nuristan and Laghman provinces includes vivid green, pink, and bicolor varieties from lithium-rich pegmatite veins exposed at high altitude. Kunzite (pink spodumene) from the Kunar Valley can be exceptionally large and deeply colored — rivaling specimens from Brazil and Madagascar. Afghan aquamarine and emerald come from pegmatite and schist formations in the Panjshir Valley, one of the most famous emerald localities on earth. The extreme altitude and tectonic forces produce crystals with clarity and geometry that make Afghan specimens highly sought after by serious collectors. Explore related origins: Pakistan , India , Brazil . Browse our lapis lazuli collection or blue crystals . View all origins on our Interactive World Map . Free US shipping on orders over $150. Frequently Asked Questions What crystals come from Afghanistan? Afghanistan produces lapis lazuli (from the world's oldest known mines at Sar-e-Sang), tourmaline (green, pink, and bicolor from Nuristan), kunzite (pink spodumene from Kunar), aquamarine and emerald (from Panjshir Valley), spinel (from Badakhshan), and ruby. Afghan pegmatite minerals are prized for exceptional clarity and size. Why is Afghan lapis lazuli famous? The Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan have been the world's premier source of lapis lazuli for over 6,000 years. Afghan lapis is prized for its deep