Description of stone

Stone: Afghanite
Color: As Seen
Cut/Shape: cushion
Origin: Badakhshan/Afghanistan
Treatment: No indication of any treatment

The Beauty and Rarity of Afghanite: A Gemstone from the Heart of Afghanistan

Afghanistan, a country known for its rugged terrain and storied history, is also home to some of the world’s most coveted gemstones. Among these is Afghanite, a relatively rare and lesser-known gem that has captivated mineral collectors and gemstone enthusiasts alike. This unique stone, with its striking blue hues and intriguing formation, offers both aesthetic appeal and geological significance.

What is Afghanite?

Afghanite is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the cancrinite group, first discovered in the early 1960s. The mineral gets its name from the region in which it was found—Afghanistan. It is typically a translucent to transparent gem, boasting a variety of shades ranging from pale blue to deep, rich sapphire-like tones. Afghanite also occurs in white, colorless, or even light gray forms, but it’s the blue varieties that command the most attention.

The Discovery of Afghanite

Afghanite was first identified in the Sar-e-Sang area of the Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan. This location has long been a significant source of gems, especially for lapis lazuli, another deep blue gemstone. The discovery of Afghanite added another chapter to the region’s long history of gemstone mining, bringing with it international interest due to its rare and stunning appearance.

While it was initially believed to be exclusive to Afghanistan, small deposits of Afghanite have since been found in a few other locations around the world, including Italy and Tajikistan. However, Afghanite from Afghanistan remains the most sought after due to its superior quality and color.

Appearance and Properties

What sets Afghanite apart from other gemstones is its vivid and vibrant blue coloration, which can sometimes rival that of sapphires. This blue color is due to the presence of trace amounts of sulfur in its chemical structure. Afghanite often forms as prismatic crystals and can be found in association with other minerals like calcite, pyrite, and lapis lazuli. It is a relatively soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of around 5.5 to 6, making it more suitable for collectors rather than daily-wear jewelry.

When viewed under ultraviolet light, Afghanite can exhibit a beautiful fluorescent glow, adding another layer of intrigue for mineral enthusiasts.

Afghanite in Jewelry and Collecting

Due to its rarity and relatively low hardness, Afghanite is not commonly used in commercial jewelry. However, for those who seek unique and one-of-a-kind pieces, Afghanite can be a captivating choice. Skilled gem cutters may facet the stone to enhance its color and transparency, but it is more frequently seen as cabochons or in its raw crystal form, which appeals to collectors.

Collectors value Afghanite for its rarity, beauty, and the fascinating location from which it originates. It’s a gem that tells a story—of the mineral wealth of Afghanistan and of the delicate balance of natural conditions required to create such a striking stone.

Care and Maintenance

Because of its relative softness compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, Afghanite requires special care. It is best suited for pendants, earrings, or brooches rather than rings, which are subject to more wear and tear. Afghanite jewelry should be cleaned gently with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

The Allure of Afghanite

Afghanite remains a niche gemstone, admired mainly by collectors and gemstone aficionados who appreciate its rarity and distinct beauty. It stands as a symbol of Afghanistan’s rich mineral heritage, sharing the spotlight with more famous gems like lapis lazuli and emeralds.

As awareness of Afghanite grows, it continues to gain recognition for its deep blue hue, its fascinating crystal structure, and the story of its origins. For anyone interested in rare and unusual gems, Afghanite offers an enticing glimpse into the world of geology and the hidden treasures of the earth.

Whether you’re a collector, a lover of rare stones, or someone captivated by the unique beauty of gems, Afghanite is a stone that inspires awe. Its rarity and the vividness of its blue make it a gem that stands out, even among the most exquisite of mineral collections.

Unveiling the Beauty of Afghanistan: The Afghan Gemstone Source

Welcome to Afghan Gemstone Source, a place where the heart of Afghanistan reveals its rare and stunning treasures. Nestled in the breathtaking valleys and majestic mountains, Afghanistan has long been renowned for its world-class gemstones, a tradition that dates back centuries. Afghan Gemstone Source stands as a testament to this rich heritage, bringing the wonders of Afghan gems to jewelry aficionados, collectors, and seekers of true natural beauty across the globe.

The Pride of Afghan Gemstone Source

At Afghan Gemstone Source, our journey begins with an unyielding commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. Each gemstone is more than just a piece of earth; it embodies the resilience, strength, and soul of Afghanistan. Our skilled artisans and experts work tirelessly to uncover the finest stones, which are carefully selected for their quality, color, and brilliance. We pride ourselves on providing only ethically sourced gemstones, ensuring that each piece is mined responsibly and with respect for both the land and the people who call it home.

Discover Our Collection

Our collection includes a dazzling array of gemstones, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. From the legendary lapis lazuli, known for its rich and deep blue hues that have captivated artists and royals alike, to the vibrant green emeralds and radiant rubies that hold an unparalleled allure. Afghan Gemstone Source is dedicated to curating stones that stand out in beauty, rarity, and quality, allowing you to own a piece of Afghanistan’s incredible natural history.

Lapis Lazuli: Afghanistan’s Crown Jewel

Known as the “blue gold” of Afghanistan, lapis lazuli is a symbol of wisdom and truth. Its intense blue, often sprinkled with golden pyrite flecks, is reminiscent of a starry Afghan night sky. This gemstone has adorned the crowns of ancient pharaohs and the canvas of great artists, making it one of the world’s most coveted stones.

Emeralds: The Green Treasure

Afghan emeralds are treasured for their vivid color, clarity, and brilliance. Their lush, green hue is a testament to the fertile valleys of Afghanistan and serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s resilience and natural wealth.

Rubies & Spinels: Fiery Passion

Our collection also includes rubies and spinels, each with a distinctive red hue that symbolizes passion and power. Afghan rubies and spinels are celebrated for their rich color saturation, making them some of the most sought-after gems for jewelry.

Our Commitment to Quality and Transparency

At Afghan Gemstone Source, we believe that every gemstone tells a story. From the rough stone to the final polished gem, we ensure the highest standards of quality control. We use state-of-the-art equipment to grade our gemstones, providing certificates of authenticity and complete transparency for our customers.

Transparency is also at the heart of our operations. As a business rooted in Afghan culture, we are committed to supporting local communities, artisans, and miners. Every gemstone purchased from Afghan Gemstone Source directly contributes to the welfare and livelihood of those who work tirelessly to bring these treasures to light.

Experience Afghan Gemstone Source

Whether you’re an experienced gem enthusiast or just beginning to discover the allure of these natural wonders, Afghan Gemstone Source welcomes you to experience the beauty of Afghanistan through its gemstones. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to assist, offering insights into each stone’s history, properties, and potential uses. From jewelry design consultations to personalized gemstone recommendations, we’re here to make your experience unforgettable.

Join the Afghan Gemstone Source Family

At Afghan Gemstone Source, we don’t just sell gemstones; we share a piece of Afghanistan’s soul. Each gem carries the essence of our homeland, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. By choosing Afghan Gemstone Source, you become part of a journey that transcends borders and generations—a journey of appreciation for the Earth’s raw beauty, shaped by the skilled hands and dreams of those who cherish it.

Whether you seek a unique gift, a timeless addition to your jewelry collection, or a piece that speaks to your soul, Afghan Gemstone Source invites you to uncover the magic and splendor of Afghan gemstones.

Shipping Details

For the ease of our customers we are offering two different delivery options:

1. Economy Shipment
Price: 25$ (worldwide)
Item will be delivered to the customer within 20 -30 business days

Note, Items weighting more than 200grams can not be shipped through registered shipping but can be sent by FedEx.

2. Express Shipment
Price: 45$ (worldwide)
Item will be delivered to the customer within 10 - 15 business days

Note, packages weighting more than 300grams will cost 50$ Upto 500grams and packages with more than 500grams weight will cost 60$ upto 1kg. Above 1 kg will cost 20$ on every extra kg.