These gem mines are some of the oldest in the world and the only known source of ruby in Afghanistan: the Jegdalek region. The Jegdalek mines have been worked for more than 700 years and fine mineral specimens, such as these rubies in marble matrix, are occasionally sourced there. The larger crystal shown here is approximately 2 cm high and has great translucency, fine crystallization, and a striking color highlighted by the contrast with the white marble. This rarity of a gem carries the history of the world and mineralogy in its beauty. Lustrous flakes of pyrite are scattered over the surface of the specimen. The cube in the picture is approximately one centimeter.
