Awesome lot of NATURAL Pinkish Red to Purplish Red Afghan Ruby.  It is very difficult to find Ruby in the rough in the local markets here in Pakistan at a decent price. Most good quality rough is cut instantly because of the premium it commands even if the cutting is poor in the local markets. This is not the best quality Ruby in the world; however, it is well worth the price the seller has put on it. The above pictures really don't do the material justice and this lot has to be seen first hand to be fully appreciated.

Please note that many stones do exhibit silk inclusions that Corundum in general and Ruby in particular are known for and many stones may significantly clean up with proper heat treatment. We have NOT experimented on this rough with treatment and therefore can't advise you on particulars nor guarantee this but we have heard quite a few local sellers claim that heating has worked miracles on the rough. They are not flawless stones; however, the size is decent and they look like "Gouda" material.  The material overall is mostly cab grade rough; however, there are some nice stones in here you can facet and/or cut into high grade cabs. Don't miss this lot!!

1. Hunza, Pakistan has been producing Sapphire for quite some time now; however, rarely has there been production on any significant scale. The last few years has seen a shift in this production and with several new deposits unearthed in the last few years this material has begun to trickle into the marketplace. The color on the Sapphire from Hunza is usually a very lovely Peacock Purple or Pinkish Purple and there is almost a glow to the stones that uniquely identify them as originating in Hunza. Much of the material looks as though it contains a very fine velvety overtone that is reminiscent of the legendary Kashmir material; however, facet grade rough is a rarity.