Gemstones Of Afghanistan

A richly illustrated volume directed to gemologists and serious gem collectors.

This is the story of one man's endeavor to discover precious gems and to lead a life filled with loyal friends and extraordinary adventures. He finds it all in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan but not without risking his life. In this book Gary W. Bowersox spins his tales of thirty two years of discovery both introspective and worldwide. Along the way he encounters danger and intrigue as he builds lasting friendships. He has traded gems and stories with Afghan miners, ethnic peoples, freedom fighters, government officials, scientist, and on a few occasions, international spies.

Understanding gemstones in a geological context Gemstones are colorful treasures of the Earth that have captivated humans for thousands of years. The physical and chemical characteristics of each type of gem provide insights into the geological processes that created them. Geology and Mineralogy of Gemstones is a textbook aimed at upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. It presents the basic mineralogical and geological knowledge needed to understand gemstones and examines the characteristics and geological origins of different types of gemstone. Volume highlights include: Concepts in mineralogy Structure and chemical composition of minerals Geological processes that lead to the formation and movement of gemstones Equipment and tools used to examine gemstones and their physical properties The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Contains descriptions and photographs of approximately six hundred minerals, rocks, and meteorites, providing information about the history, origin, structure, composition, properties, classification, and location of each specimen.

Afghanistan Mineral, Mining Sector Investment and Business Guide - Strategic Information and Regulations

Afghanistan is well endowed with mineral resources. In addition to significant oil and gas reserves in the north (not discussed in this report) and a few mega-resources (Aynak copper and Hajigak iron, also not covered), there are numerous medium-sized and smaller deposits of minerals such as precious gemstones (notably emeralds and rubies), gold, silver, coal, chromite, marble, granite, talc, and nephrite. Afghanistan is uniquely endowed with reserves of lapis lazuli, a semiprecious colored stone considered the country's signature mineral. Artisanal exploitation of small, scattered mineral resources typically has occurred on an informal basis. Artisanal extraction is not a focus of this report. Though the mega-resources remain untapped, mineral extraction from medium-sized and smaller mines has burgeoned in recent years and is occurring at what can appropriately be called an industrial scale. Unfortunately, it is generating only negligible taxes and royalties for the Afghan government, largely negating any benefits for national development. Moreover, such resource exploitation benefits and strengthens the power of warlords, corrupts the government and undermines governance, partly funds the Taliban and reportedly ISIS as well, and fuels both local conflicts and the wider insurgency.

Afghanistan Investment and Business Profile - Basic Information and Contacts for Succesful investment and Business Activity