Faiza Tehseen

Sizeable deposits of rare Azurite granite exist in Gilgit-Baltistan, which can fetch a fortune for Pakistan through indigenous processing, said Principal Geologist at the Global Mining Company, Islamabad Muhammad Yaqoob Shah while talking to WealthPK.

Yaqoob is also a member of the National Council for Marble and Granite and Minerals and former GM Geology at the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC). He said Gilgit-Baltistan was the only place in Pakistan that offered a favourable environment for formation of Azurite granite.

Granite is an igneous rock that constitutes about 70-80% of the earth’s crust mostly found as long mountain ranges. Its color depends upon the mineral composition. Azurite granite is also used as a gemstone and to carve artifacts besides its use in construction. It is named due to its colour; azurite staining granite is also called K2 Granite commercially.”

Discussing the beauty, existence, and commercial scope of Azurite in Pakistan, miner and geologist Imran Babar said, “Azurite granite is composed of copper carbonate hydroxide. It is formed when carbon dioxide-laden fluids enter the earth and react with the copper ores. This results in a new geological environment and Azurite develops there. Sometimes, it is known as K2 Granite or K2 Jesper and is an ideal lapidary material.’’

Imran said, “owing to its distinctive deep blue to the hues of violet-blue, Azurite granite also seems like Lapis Lazuli. From ancient times, the rarely found Azurite has been used as copper ore, pigment, sculpture stone, and gemstone. It is mostly found in colluvium near the base of the Karakoram mountain range. Owing to its high feldspar content, it tumbles, cuts and polishes beautifully. Its hardness is 3.5 to 4 on Mohs’ scale. It is important to remember that Azurite exists as a stain rather than a discrete mineral. Its tules and fireplaces add beauty to constructions.”

Granite varieties, marble, and stone market are projected to reach 5.5 billion metric tons by the year 2027 at an compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 5.1 billion per metric tons in the year 2020. Granite is widely used in the construction sector. Mostly, it is used to craft staircases, fireplaces, countertops, bar tops, paving stones, murals bridges, buildings, memorials, flooring tiles, dimension stones, etc.

The commercial scope and natural beauty of Azurite granite must be considered seriously, and authorities concerned, both federal and provincial, must work together for the socio-economic prosperity of Pakistan besides creating huge employment opportunities from this important sector. Snowy China-Pakistan borders are nestling places of Azurite granite where both countries can take a joint initiative for further exploration.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk