The northern areas of Pakistan are renowned for their rich deposits of precious stones and gems. The gem trade in these areas has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and continues to be an important part of the local economy today.

One of the most valuable gems found in the northern areas of Pakistan is emerald. These emeralds are known for their deep green color and excellent clarity. They are found in the mines of Swat, Shangla, and Chitral. The emerald mines in Swat are particularly famous and have been in operation for centuries.

Another precious stone found in the northern areas of Pakistan is ruby. These rubies are found in the mines of Hunza, Nagar and Chitral. They are known for their deep red color and high luster, making them highly sought after by gem traders and collectors.

In addition, the region is also known for its high-quality tourmaline, aquamarine, and topaz. Tourmaline is found in a variety of colors including green, pink, and red. Aquamarine is known for its beautiful blue color and is mainly found in the mines of Skardu. Topaz is found in various shades of yellow, orange, and pink in the mines of Hunza and Nagar.

The gem trade in the northern areas of Pakistan is mainly carried out by small-scale miners who use traditional methods to extract the gems. The gems are then sold to traders and dealers in local markets and also exported to international markets.

The gems of the northern areas of Pakistan are highly prized for their beauty and quality and are in high demand all over the world. The gem trade in these areas not only provides a source of income for the local communities, but also helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

In conclusion, The northern areas of Pakistan are known for their rich deposits of precious stones and gems, including emeralds, rubies, tourmaline, aquamarine and topaz. These gems are mined by small-scale miners and sold to traders and dealers in local and international markets, providing income for local communities and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.