Kunar Valley
Curated by Maggie Liu · Updated:
The Kunar region of the Hindu Kush — in eastern Afghanistan, with the gem belt extending across the frontier into adjacent Pakistan — is a famous gem-pegmatite province producing aquamarine, kunzite, and tourmaline.
About Kunar Valleyextended article
A Hindu Kush gem-pegmatite province
The Kunar and neighbouring Nuristan pegmatites of the eastern Hindu Kush are a celebrated source of pegmatite gems. The mineralised belt continues across the border into the Pakistani districts of Chitral and Bajaur.
What collectors look for
Gem beryl (aquamarine), kunzite (gem spodumene), and elbaite tourmaline — often as sharp, gemmy crystals — are the signature material, with celebrated pockets such as Gur-Salak for beryl.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kunar Valley?
Kunar Valley is a mineral locality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at approximately 34.8500°N, 71.3000°E. Elevation is about 1500 m.
What minerals are found at Kunar Valley?
Signature minerals from Kunar Valley include Kunzite, Tourmaline, Aquamarine. The locality lies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and each mineral links to a full reference entry with formula, crystal system, and collector notes.
What is Kunar Valley known for?
The Kunar region of the Hindu Kush — in eastern Afghanistan, with the gem belt extending across the frontier into adjacent Pakistan — is a famous gem-pegmatite province producing aquamarine, kunzite, and tourmaline.
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