Afghanistan rubies

Little is known about ruby mining in Afghanistan. However we find its reference in the writings of travelers as early as 951 A.D. Ibn Batuta, Al Biruni and Marco Polo discussed about ruby mining in Afghanistan in their travelogues. Balas ruby mines of Badakshan and Jagdalek appear to be authentic sources of rubies in Afghanistan. Not much is known about the gemological properties of Badakshan rubies. However the physical and chemical properties of Jagdalek rubies account for ruby crystals in faint colors to deep red. Often they are slightly purplish and strongly fluorescent. Occasionally violet rubies have been mined in these desolate mining regions