SUPER lot of Pastel Blue to Sea-Foam Aquamarine from Skardu, Pakistan.  This is a great lot of Facet Grade material with roughly 40% of the lot able to support eye-clean or better finished gemstones with a little work. Overall the color is a bit light but the material is considerably better than the material typically from the region. The material has a soft Pastel Blue to Sea-Foam color overall and should cut nice bright stones. This lot is a great value at the price and not to be missed! At $.75 per gram there really is no way you can lose on this!

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.