| I recently had the opportunity to work in | | | | Otherwise, you have to be a really good |
| Afghanistan as a translator for the US | | | | negotiator. I was amazed to see the raw uncut |
| Department of Defense. I met with the head of | | | | Ruby that looked like any ordinary rock. If I had |
| the Department f Mining and Minerals of Kunar | | | | found it I would have probably thrown it away. |
| province, Afghanistan. He came asking for support | | | | The uncut Lapis Lazuly is sold by kilos. |
| from the US forces to improve the situation for | | | | Afghanistan is primary known for its Lapis |
| his extremely under budgeted office that was | | | | production, but now more and more rocks such |
| working to stop people from looting the national | | | | as Emerald that is similar to Columbian Emerald |
| treasure of gem stones. It has one the finest | | | | from north eastern Punjsher valley, and fine |
| quality Lapis, Emerald and Ruby in the world which | | | | quality Ruby from Jegdelag mines. Also, various |
| are often extracted illegally using improper | | | | colors of Tourmaline and kunzite from bright blue |
| methods such as explosives. There are many | | | | to sparkling peach colors have emerged from |
| gem stone selling shops in almost all US and Nato | | | | Hindu Kush mountain of Afghanistan. The harsh |
| military bases in Afghanistan. | | | | climate on top of these mountains and the safety |
| My curiosity for gems and Afghan rugs brought | | | | of miners due to unstable political climate might be |
| me to the Chicken Street, in capital city Kabul. | | | | diminishing the production of these valuable stones. |
| This is the largest market for Afghani crafts and | | | | However the future of their gemology will once |
| gems. The trick to find better bargain is to not let | | | | again rock when the dust settles. |
| the shop keepers know that you are a foreigner. | | | | |