Ruby in Afghanistan

It is widely believed ruby is one of the most precious stones after diamond and emerald, which has an international recognition in terms of its quality. Afghanistan has extensive ruby reservoirs in various provinces; however, proper survey could not be conducted so far to identify its volume.

A range of ruby can be found inside the marble stones. Afghanistan is known for dark red and dark blue colours ruby, which is locally known Badakhshi ruby.

Badakhshan, Kunar, Panjsher, Nuristan and Jegdalik area of Kabul province are rich in ruby but proper survey is yet to be conducted.

1. Jegdalik ruby mine:

The widely known Jegdalik ruby mine is situated 35 kilometres west of Sarobi district and 100 kilometres east of Kabul city. The mine stretches on 15 kilometres large square area.

There was some digging in Jegdalik mine by Russians in the past. Exact volume and quantity of ruby is yet to be identified. However, reports say each cubic metre area has 2/122 to 3/157 grams of ruby.

Jegdalik mine is divided into two parts. Its one part is under government’s control while the second is occupied by locals considering the site their own property since the reign of Amir Sher Ali Khan and Amir Dost Mohammad Khan.

Locals of the area have gained enough know-how that they are familiar with different kinds of ruby and they identify it by its colour.

The Jegdalik ruby has the credit that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan used it in the decoration while building the renowned Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built in 1026 by Shah Jahan to express his love he had for his wife.

2- Garnet of Badakhshan:

Geologists believe garnet and ruby have the same family even though there is some difference in their colours. The garnet stones’ mine of Badakhshan province is located in Gran area of Ashkashim district.

The garnet stone of northern Badakhshan has been excavated unprofessionally for a long time by the locals and the government is unable to adopt any legal measures.

In addition, the Khash and Kashkan district of Badakhshan province also have comprehensive reservoirs of garnet stones but its illegal

excavation is underway since long by the influential individuals.

Due to multiple reasons and problems in the demining process of garnet stones, the government is not able to launch its official excavation. The government is miserably failed to prevent its unauthorized excavation.

Mohammad Akbar, director provincial mines department, told Pajhwok Afghan News the exploration of garnet and ruby involves hard work and require latest machinery and the government is unable to provide the direly needed funds. He said the excavation process is halted because of the government inefficiency to tap the resources.

3- Nuristan Ruby Mine:

The residents of eastern Nuristan say the province is rich in ruby reserves; however, formal survey could not take place to identify the exact volume of the precious stone.

Mohammad Ibrahim, head of goldsmith association in Kabul province, told Pajhwok Afghan News smugglers were involved in unauthorized excavation of ruby which was damaging the mine.

Similarly, ruby can be found in Kunar and Panjsher provinces as well. The stone is largely known as king of all the stones because of its hardness and resistance.

Two kinds— crystal and is none crystal— ruby exists in its mine. Ruby can be found in different colors.

It is widely believed the ruby of Afghanistan is used in the queen’s crown of Great Britain. Taimoor Shah also used the ruby in his palace for decoration.