By David Brough
Digital marketplace Gembridge is planning to list later this week a brand new collection of rare pink Tajik spinels that are bound to trigger brisk enquiries from both the global trade and collectors.
Picture credit: Gembridge
The spinels were extracted from the “Kuhi Lal” mine high up in the western Pamir Mountains in a remote part of Tajikistan, the so-called “Roof of the World” overlooking the border with Afghanistan.
Picture credit: Gembridge
There has been no new mining there in the past five years pending further investment from the Tajik government, meaning that spinels from Tajikistan are rare, gemstone suppliers say.
Picture credit: Gembridge
The best quality production from Kuhi Lal coincided with previous Soviet ownership of the mine. More significant investment will be needed to untap fresh seams.
Picture credit: Gembridge
The new Gembridge collection will comprise at least six pink to reddish pink Tajik spinels that are due to be listed on the www.gembridge.com marketplace in the middle of this week.
Spinels from Kuhi Lal are predominantly in various shades of pink to reddish pink colours, while red spinels are very rare.
Picture credit: Gembridge
Tajik rubies come from the eastern Pamir Mountains, far from the spinel mine. In the distant past, long before reporting by gemstone laboratories, Tajik spinels were sometimes confused with rubies.
Picture credit: Gembridge
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