SUPER lot of Pastel Blue Aquamarine from a fairly new find in Pech, Afghanistan.  This is a great lot of mostly of mostly Top Facet Grade material with roughly 90% of the lot able to support eye-clean or better finished gemstones. Overall the color is a bit light but the material is considerably better than the material typically from Pakistan. The material has a soft Pastel Blue to Sea-Foam color and should cut nice bright stones. This is a great deal as it is rare to get this color naturally in Aquamarine from Afghanistan and/or Pakistan. This lot is a great value and not to be missed!

1. Afghanistan seldom produces Aquamarine on a regular basis; however, Pakistan is well known for its significant Aquamarine deposits. The largest Pakistani deposits are situated in the north close to Gilgit. The material is typically light in color but very clean and often available in large sizes. Much of this material is also treated to produce Golden Beryl and various shades of Yellow. It is important to note that many people are selling this Yellow Beryl as natural. From our experience and dealings we have come to the conclusion that most of the material that is Yellow Beryl and claimed to be of Afghani origin is actually treated Pakistani material. In 8+ years of traveling to the region and purchasing from the local markets we have NEVER once come across any Natural Golden Beryl from the region.

2. There are several new finds of gemstones coming from the Badakshan region of Afghanistan and some of these are poised to be hot sellers as supply increases and becomes more consistent. Significant amounts of Purple Scapolite, Ruby Red Spinel, Deep Blue Aquamarine and other gemstones have been found in this region are are now beginning to trickle into the marketplace.