Few in India in general and in J&K in particular would be aware of the value of the southern slopes of the Zaskar Range, near the settlement of Sumjam, in the region.
Paddar or Padar Valley, which spans the entire south eastern portion of Kishtwar District and lies on the borders of Zanskar (Ladakh) in the north and east, Pangi (Himachal Pradesh) in the south and the rest of J&K in the west, is known for its sapphire mines and the Chandrabhaga River.
According to online sites specialising in gem-related information, sapphires and other minerals like Rubellite, Green Tourmaline, Kyanite, Aquamarine, Hambergite, Amethyst, etc. are sporadically found in amphibole (a group of inosilicate minerals that have a tendency to form into prism-like, or needle-like crystals) zones. They generally contain iron and/or magnesium in their structures, and in colour, can be green, black, colourless, white, yellow, blue, or brown. Amphiboles like sapphires crystallize into two systems -- monoclinic and orthorhombic.
The timing of UT Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s announcement this week that he intends to explore, market and export sapphires from Kashmir in a scientific way, without damaging the natural environment of J&K, shouldn’t surprise or flummox. Rather, it should be viewed as a much anticipated forward step, given that the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre has been eyeing its as yet undiscovered economic potential for years and months now.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been conducting exploratory studies on sapphire and ruby mining in J&K for the past three years, especially in the Khan area of the Paddar Valley. Policy and execution level decisions taken by the government in these months are now seeing the light of day. Emphasis has been placed on the need to undertake these scientific explorations without damaging the environment and with fixed deadlines.
A recent report revealed that the Paddar Valley has an estimated Rs.10, 000 crores worth of sapphire reserves.
This is not the first time that sapphires from J&K are making news. Extraction of sapphire in Paddar began in 1885 and the mining of this gem during this period were valued highly and fetched enormous prices around the world for the simple reason that sapphires from Kashmir had a colour that held up in all kinds of light, which when compared to other fine sapphires such as those from Burma (Myanmar) did not lose colour in the evening light. Experts also say that the presence of microscopic inclusions in the stone give sapphires a pronounced ‘magical velvety effect’ that is simultaneously soft and yet strong in colour.
Extractions have been taking place off and on now for 138 years. In the four years between 2009 and 2013, 21, 755 grams of sapphire conundrum were extracted. It generated revenues of a little over Rs.250 lakh, certifying its immense potential to turn the local economy around for the better.
Since June this year, the UT has been keen to sell a sapphire crystal weighing 63.60 grams, but because it hasn’t fetched the right price, the Centre has put a hold on the gem’s sale, notwithstanding the disappointment that two open auctions have failed to elicit the right commercial response.
In May this year, a 19.88 carat cushion- shaped sapphire from Kashmir called 'Star of Kashmir' fetched a record sum of $3.5 million (above Rs.20.2 crores).
Sapphire exploration and extraction many believe will do wonders for the economy in Kishtwar, which really requires regularisation to attract investment. Largely rural in nature, Kishtwar has a dry climate and its population currently relies heavily on wheat and barley in the winters and Rajma (kidney bean) and maize in the rainy season. Although the area is rich in natural mineral resources, poor infrastructure has prevented exploration and extraction. Now with the government at the Centre and in the UT stepping up to the plate to rejuvenate the mining industry in various parts of the country, including in J&K, an economic turnaround is much awaited.
The summer season is usually the time when the UT administration initiates plans for exploration and extraction. Retrieved crystals are then sold at auctions, where buyers even from South East Asia show interest.