This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 19 in 2024. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
A recent study published on Crystals has shed new light on rare and valuable demantoids from Pakistan, focusing on gems mined from Muslim Bagh in Balochistan province. The only studies concerning this particular garnet were published in 2014 on GIA’s Gems & Gemology, vol. 50, n. 4, and in 2015 on The Journal of Gemmology, vol. 34, n. 5 (page 428).
This mineral, a green variety of andradite, has attracted the attention of experts because of its exceptional rarity and value. The study, conducted by an international team of expert gemologists, analyzed nine samples through ED-XRF, FTIR, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The researchers identified unique features that distinguish Pakistan demantoids from those of other regions. One of the most significant findings was that the minerals in this deposit are relatively pure andradites, containing a small amount of manganese (average 0.019 wt. %) and very low traces of chromium in contrast to the variety hosted in other areas of the world.
In addition, inclusions found in Pakistan gemstones, including magnetite, hematite and calcite, provided valuable information about their geological formation. Indeed, this unique combination of inclusions reflects the complex interplay of serpentinization and metasomatism processes, distinguishing Pakistan demantoids from those of other origins. Their relatively high purity, together with their distinctive geological formation, makes them objects of great interest to gem enthusiasts and mineralogy scholars.
Gem news published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #19 – Autumn 2024.
