AFGHANISTAN
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Afghanistan is probably best noted for ruby corundum coming from Jegdalek. The specimen on the left is from the collection of Andreas Weerth, and appeared in the Extra Lapis devoted to corundum. The one on the right shows superb terminations, and is probably from Jegdalek, as is indicated by the muscovite (or phlogopite - tan mica) in the calcite. However, it may be from the Hunza Valley in Pakistan (illustrating our observation that some specimens from that region cross many borders before being bestowed with an origin)! |
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A recent discovery in Badakhshan, on the border with Tajikistan, has produced some interesting sapphires. The crystal on the left is about 3 inches long. It has a flattened hexagonal outline, and is nicely terminated. It was purchased from Andreas Weerth in Tucson. The two on the right are from Peshawar dealer Muhammad Shaffi. I am indebted to Aisha Jan of Rocksaholics (website http://www.rocksaholics.com/) , whom I met in Islamabad while on a visit to the Nangi Mali Ruby Mine in Azad Kashmir, for detailed locality information and a few more specimens. Below are some more shots of these unusual sapphires in matrix. |
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