In Pakistan’s mineral-rich province, Balochistan, there exists a real treasure mine of aquamarines, a semi-precious stone that could completely transform the gemstone industry in the country. Abdul Bashir, Chief Geologist of Koh-i-Daleel Minerals Company (Pvt) Limited, highlights the need for discovering and profiting from aquamarine to take Pakistan’s gemstone industry to the highest possible level, thus exposing the untapped potential of Balochistan’s geological landscape.
Bashir highlights the geological indicators that are dispersed throughout Balochistan, with a particular emphasis on the thrusting faults of Ras Koh Arch and Chagai. As per his statement, these regions are plentiful in aquamarine, a semiprecious gemstone characterised by a Mohs hardness grade ranging from 7½ to 8. The presence of aquamarine can be attributed to hydrothermal activity and a favourable environment, which encourages the formation of related jewels such as garnet and emerald.
Geological zones that are favorable to the formation of aquamarine have been determined by geologists. These regions include hydrothermal veins, suture zones, igneous pegmatite, and granitic pegmatite rock units. Bashir emphasises the importance of conducting a comprehensive geological survey, linking this to the absence of academic initiatives to investigate and exploit these invaluable resources. Aquamarine’s potential detection in metamorphic rocks, cavities in limestone, and fissures in marble exacerbates the gemstone’s multidimensional geological origins.
Aquamarine, according to Bashir, is regarded as a member of the beryl family and links its geological roots with emerald, topaz, garnet, and other rare and semiprecious stones. Although they are all members of the same family, stones demonstrate slight variations in terms of colour, hardness, and chemistry. The significance of identifying these geological associations is emphasized by the geologists, as they provide insights into the broader spectrum of gemstones that are still to be uncovered in Balochistan.
Despite considerable geological proof, Bashir stresses the lack of a coordinated attempt to investigate and rely on aquamarine resources in the area. This underlines the importance of conducting an extensive assessment-based inquiry that involves geological surveys, satellite imagery, mapping, and deposit quantification. The execution of this scientific methodology is essential in ensuring the determination of precise goals for aquamarine extraction, which in the end enhances the gemstone business and contributes to the economic advancement of Pakistan.
Bashir points out the multifarious utility of aquamarine, which transcends its geological origin, particularly in the context of luxurious jewellery and ornamentation. In light of the fact that Europe is an important destination for the aquamarine trade, the gemstone is capable of fetching prices between $800 and $900 per carat, depending upon its quality and shade. Bashir stresses the economic potential of the gemstone sector in Pakistan and encourages the execution of value addition and exploration methods in order to strengthen the country’s economy.
The aquamarine reserves of Balochistan provide evidence of the dormant wealth that lies hidden within its geological composition. The examination and consumption of these resources require a meticulous and scientific approach, as enlightened by Abdul Bashir’s remarks. The potential impact of aquamarine’s transition from the dangerous depths of Balochistan’s peaks to the international gemstone market is important to consider: it might alter the gemstone industry in Pakistan, spur growth in the economy, and solidify the country as an important factor in the global gemstone trade. With an increasing need for exploration, Pakistan now has a chance to unveil the vast potential that lies dormant within its mineral-rich terrains.
