Nepal, widely known as the Himalayan kingdom all over the world, has been famous as it homes nine of the world’s fourteen highest mountain peaks. The Himalayas cover three fourths of the land in Nepal. It is home to some of the highest, remotest, most rugged and most difficult terrain in the world. Along the north of Nepal runs the GreatHimalayanRange, the highest mountain range in the Himalayan system. This range has an average altitude of about 4,570 m (about 15,000 ft) and remains perpetually snow-covered. Apart from the valuable natural gift we have-the himalayas but there are very few people who know the importance of the country being the Himalayan country. The Himalayan range that Nepal has is a huge home to world renowned precious and semi precious stones in abundant. The maximum stone mines have been found between 7000- 21,000 feet altitude.
It is believed that the Himalaya was formed due to collision of Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate at about 40 million years ago. It extends in 2400km east - west direction. Its width varies from 230 to 320 km and bounded between the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the south and Tibetan Plateau in the north. Nepal Himalaya occupies the central 800km part. Some of the areas in Higher Himalaya are highly promising for precious and semiprecious stones, marble and metallic minerals.
Continues efforts of DMG in mineral exploration since its establishment in 1961 were able to identify a number of metallic, nonmetallic and fuel mineral deposits/ prospects in different parts of Nepal. Geological, aeromagnetic and seismic survey was able to trace some promising sites for petroleum and natural gas in southern part of the country too. However it has been found that apart from diamond Nepal has a huge deposits of gemstones.
It has been found that the gemstones of Nepal have high luster and it has also been noticed that these areas where there are stone collection, abundant medicinal valued plants are found. Though huge number of gemstone mines have been found especially in Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Manang, Dhading not much has been done. The stone mining has not been done but only surface mining has been done. So there is still a great task to be done to actually find out how much potential the Himalayas lap has.
The major gem location of Nepal such as Sankhuwasabha has a great store of aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, agate, smoky quartz, essonite, kyanite, danburite, hanbergite, amazonite and quartz crystal. Taplejung has blue sapphire, tourmaline, aquamarine, quartz, garnet, iolite, grossular garnet and spessartite. Jajarkot has aquamarine, tourmaline, kyanite, rock crystal, heliodor, quartz, garnet. Manang has aquamarine, tourmaline, quartz, epidote, amethyst, and garnet. Dhading has ruby, sapphire, spine quartz, topaz, rutile crystal, amethyst and garnet.
As per the gem experts of Nepal, If 25% of the gem mines can be explored and be used commercially, 50-60 industries can run easily. They share that Nepal is a Paradise for gemologists and collectors. Geologists, gemologists, gem collectors, mineral collectors, jewelry designers, accessory designers will be attracted if the gemstone stores can be explored well. Not only this but this can boost tourism as well as help in export business. But, it is a pity that though Nepal has huge semiprecious stone mines it has to import 80% of the stones from abroad which is specially brought in from India and others from China, Thailand, Burma and Pakistan.
Most of the gems in Nepal are used for silver jewellries which are exported to Europe and America. The hand crafted jewellries is very famous and liked by the Europeans and Americans. They are exported in different designs like earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooch, bangles, and different articles embedded with precious stones.
Nepal has technology and good professional gem cutters but because the stones have not been explored well and opened for business this sector is suffering. Thus the businessmen who are involved in this business share that they need better facilities from the government and to review the existing import and export policies. In India the government has waived off import fee on gem stones, this is also one reason why it is very difficult for Nepal to compete with India.
Gem stones are usually very expensive. Experts share that from 1 kg of gem mine one can get about 5% gem, 25% collectors’ item, 10% is used for carving and rest is used for industrial purpose. The gem stones are graded judging the principle of 4C’s which are: Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut. The carat, the standard unit of weight used for diamonds and other gemstones, takes its name from the carob seed. Because these small seeds had a fairly uniform weight, early gem traders used them as counterweights in their balance scales. A carat weighs exactly the same in every corner of the world.
The gem stones are also used as Healing stones and for therapies. Some stones like quartz crystal, black tourmaline, moonstone, kyanite and garnet are also used as healing stones.
Gem stones are also prescribed by astrologers and are adorned as they have magical and mystical powers. It is believed that these powers bring happiness, prosperity and overall betterment in the person and his activities. However, there is also a huge increase in fake stone market, so one has to be very careful while buying one.
Nepal has collection of precious stones like ruby, blue and yellow sapphire, emerald, coral. Semiprecious stones like tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz, jasper, garnet, kyanite, amazonite. Some of the major stones of Nepal with high quality are as follows:
Aquamarine is a fascinatingly beautiful gemstone is mostly found in the districts of Darchula, Jajarkot, Manang, Dhading , Taplejung, Pachthar etc.
Garnet is a naturally occurring gemstone. Its name comes from Latin granatus meaning seed, because it often resembles small round seeds when found in its matrix rock. The most prized garnet is an emerald green variety called demantoid. In Nepal most of the Garnet is found in Dhading, Taplejung, Illam, Sankhuwasabha etc.
Jasper exhibits various colors, but chiefly brick red to brownish red. Often jasper is multi-colored. Jasper is a very pretty, inexpensive gemstone. Jasper is mostly found in the districts of Dang, Bake, Bardiya, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan etc.
Nepal Kyanite is a beautiful blue stone. For many years this was considered more of a mineral than a gemstone However, with the recent find of fine quality kyanite in Nepal, interest in this unusual gemstone is on the rise This stone is said to open our minds and improve optimism while dispelling negativity. Mystics believe the color of the stone will boost meditation. Kyanite is mostly found in the districts of Jajarkot, Lamjung, Kalikot, Dailekh, Achham, Rasuwa, Pachthar, Nuwakot etc.
Ruby known as the king of the gemstones is red and denoted as the color of love. In the fascinating world of gemstones, the ruby is the undisputed ruler. For thousands of years, the ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It has everything a precious stone should have: magnificent color, excellent hardness and outstanding brilliance. In addition to that, it is an extremely rare gemstone, especially in its finer qualities. Ruby is mostly found in the districts of Dhading, Taplejung.
Blue Sapphire: This powerful stone removes evil effects of planet Saturn. It is said that this stone has the magical power to elevate the wearer to a very high status. It brings immense wealth, name and fame. It also blesses the wearer with good stamina, health, long life, extreme protection and peace in life. Blue Sapphire is wish fulfillment, love and happiness. It is found in districts of Dhading, Taplejung.
Yellow Sapphire:It is weighty, smooth, transparent, and found in many colors - white, light and deep yellow and light orange. This is one of the most widely used gems for business enhancement and bestows with best financial status. To contain and achieve success Yellow Sapphire is one of the most recommended Gem stone. Yellow Sapphire is mostly found in the districts of Dhading, Taplejung.
Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of colors. The name comes from the Sinhalese word “turamali” or “toramalli”. It is found in Jajarkot, Manang, Langtang, Ilam, Pachthar.
To promote and uplift the various sectors related to gem stones and the rocks of Nepal, Nepal rocks and minerals association was established 6 yrs before. This organization has been organizing National rocks, mineral gems and jewelry fair annually. Recently it had organized the 4th National rocks, mineral gems and jewelry fair. Apart from it, the association also conducts Gem identification classes, gem cutting (lapidary) training at regular intervals.
Nevertheless, the government should also work on investigating and exploring treasures of the country and try to make use of it commercially. This way the country will also benefit and many people also get employment opportunity. Nepal can truly become a gem paradise if this sector is given due attention and promoted well in the international market.
