Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan is rich in exclusive varieties of topaz crystals which are matchless in all mineralogical aspects. However, the country is yet to fully benefit from this precious asset by paying a special attention at the government level to its careful mining and marketing and streamlining its business strategy. Despite its uses in jewellery, topaz is well-known for its industrial uses i.e., refractory raw material, steelmaking flux, production of fluorine compounds, manufacturing of ceramics and glass, etc.

It is also considered a sacred stone in many religions. For example, Buddhists consider Smoky Topaz as the stone of Buddha, Hindus consider it hallowed as a part of Kalpa tree/tree of wishes, while Greek and Egyptians believe Topaz talismans bring physical strength and mental peace.

In a discussion with WealthPK about topaz, Assistant Director Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) Yasir Shaheen Khalil said, “Topaz is Hydrous Aluminium Fluorosilicate mineral found in the gem bearing pegmatites. The color of topaz available in Pakistan ranges from transparent white (colourless) to slightly yellow and deep sherry. Its hardness on Mohs scale is 8. It is the third hard mineral after Ruby (hardness 9) and Diamond (hardness 10). The gravity of topaz is 3.6 (considered heavy) and its Refractive Index is 1.62, that’s why it shines brightly.  

Pegmatites bearing topaz are found in Bulechi, Gone, and Shingus areas near Dassu in Skardu. Topaz of Mardan is world famous having no rival. It is mined near Katlang village from an isolated hill named “Ghundao”. The topaz found in this place is named Katlang Topaz and it is pink in colour. It is available in sizeable quantities. The colour and quality of Katlang Topaz are not reported to be found in any other topaz mine in Pakistan or elsewhere in the world. Topaz mined from some other places in Pakistan is also found in deep red, orange rose/ orange-red (also called the royal/ mystic topaz), and cyclamen colours.

In a discussing with WealthPK, gemmologist and miner Imran Babar said, “Topaz found in Pakistan is of high quality and lustre, especially the sparkle of Katlang Topaz is matchless globally. Katlang mines are still not fully explored and quantified. It is also found in small pockets in some places in Pakistan which can be called points, not mine.

Imran also shared that gravity test is used to test the genuineness of topaz. The reason is that stones similar to topaz are mostly found. People get deceived and suffer financial losses by buying false gems instead of real topaz. The gravity of topaz is about 3.50 to 3.57 and its density is 3.5 g/cm³ (both are according to size).

Unfortunately, Pakistan is not earning a proper income despite having too much potential. The main reasons are a lack of official interest in policy-making, mining, and marketing, lack of availability of proper tools of lapidary, lack of promotion of local miners and gemstone dealers at the international level, etc.

Processed gems in any form are a wealth for the country. To introduce these treasures of Pakistan, a proper framework is badly needed. A lot of people depend upon the mining sector. Less exposure to their products deprives them of earning properly. This is the reason that the labour attached to the mining sector, especially to the gemstones mining is getting short and is not earning a sustainable livelihood.

Talking to WealthPK about the uniqueness of Katlang Topaz, Principal Geologist in Global Mining Company and former general manager geology in the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) Muhammad Yaqub Shah said, Katlang topaz is very rare and unique in all aspects around the globe. The pink colour of the topaz is due to chromium ions added to the topaz composition as trace elements. He also talked about developing a proper framework for promotion of this sector.

In the gems and jewelry segment, Topaz is a great edition. It is important to present this natural rarity in a comprehensive way to benefit the country, especially the people attached to this industry to earn a sustainable livelihood. Foreign investors can also be invited to invest in this industry.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk