Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan can shore up its state coffers by exporting value-added honey or amber calcite, mostly mined from the south-western Balochistan province, reports WealthPK. The golden-coloured calcite is considered the most valuable dimension stone/travertine or onyx across the globe. It is semi-transparent in nature and its colorization is due to the iron impurities from mineral hematite. Talking to WealthPK, principal geologist at Islamabad-based Global Mining Company Muhammad Yaqub Shah opined that it was important to use calcite’s unique colorization by turning it into a valuable ornamentation rather than for regular industrial uses. He said crystals of honey calcite could be found in different forms, i.e., chalk, travertine, limestone, dolomite, aragonite, etc. Generally, calcite is abundantly found as rock-forming carbonate mineral not only in Pakistan but also across the globe. It occurs in many grades and is found in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. It is crystalline in nature and shows a rhombic form. “Typically, it is found in a variety of translucent to transparent, and semi-transparent colors, i.e., blue, colorless/ totally transparent icy, purple, white, orange, green, black, brown, yellow, red, orange, golden, banded, or multi-colored crystals.

However, the colours in calcite are due to the inclusion of other minerals or impurities,” added Yaqub, who is also former GM (Geology) of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC). Talking to WealthPK about the importance of honey calcite, former chairman of All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA) Zakir Ullah alias Jhulay Lal said honey calcite was not abundantly available across the globe but luckily it was found at some places in Pakistan. Its unique colour is the real beauty; otherwise, it keeps all attributes of regular calcite. Its incomparable color is the cause of good price in the international market. He further said that in rough form, according to its quality, honey calcite could fetch US$100 to US$1,000 per kilogram. However, if sold with added value at an international forum, obviously, it can fetch a good price. He emphasized the need to establish local value-addition units.

“Indigenous production and expertise are the only key to uplifting our mineral sector,” added Jhulay Lal, who also exports gemstones, dimension stones, and other minerals. In ancient civilizations, calcite, including honey calcite, was used to carve sacred figurines, amulets, and jewellery. It was considered a symbol of resilience and used in performing sacred rituals. In the traditional Chinese system of healing, calcite, including amber calcite, is used for its therapeutic properties. Owing to its mineralogy, it soothes human perplexity and stabilizes energy flow in the body. So, healers have been using it from times immemorial. Calcite is used in a variety of industrial products, e.g., sugar refining, cement manufacturing, paper coating, filler, cosmetics, etc. Pakistan must focus on its special aspects, e.g., color, religious value, and healing properties to get a better economic output. All these positive steps will make the mining sector more sustainable and full of opportunities.

Credit: INP-WealthPk