ERBIL — A jade stone valued at over $1,500 has been discovered in the Kurdistan Region, according to a stone seller in Erbil’s city garden market. The stone weighs 1.5 kilograms and is considered a significant find in the Region.

Mawjood Sadiq, a veteran stone trader with nearly 15 years of experience in the market, told BasNews that Kurdistan’s mountains are rich in various types of stones, including jade, agate, ruby, coral, quartz, emerald, and sapphire. While jade is relatively inexpensive locally, it commands high prices internationally, particularly in countries like China and the United States, where it is processed and used for cosmetics and jewelry.

Sadiq highlighted that some stones discovered in Kurdistan have fetched astronomical sums. “I once sold a stone for 25,000 Iraqi dinars, and it was later resold for $600,000 because it contained diamonds, rubies, and emeralds,” he explained. He added that most buyers of such stones are affluent individuals or collectors from Najaf and Karbala, who use them for rings and accessories.

Despite the high value of some stones, Sadiq admitted that pricing is not always precise, as it relies on field expertise rather than scientific evaluation.

The trade of gemstones in Erbil has become a niche market, primarily attracting southern Iraqis and foreign tourists. “There are about 15 to 20 stone sellers in the garden market,” Sadiq noted. He also expressed hope for greater attention to the gemstone trade in Kurdistan, similar to international markets where the industry thrives.

Regarding the belief in stones’ magical properties, Sadiq acknowledged that some buyers seek stones for such purposes. However, he dismissed these notions, saying, “It’s unfortunate when people surrender their minds to a stone instead of appreciating its beauty.”

While the gemstone trade in the Kurdistan Region is still in its early stages, discoveries like this jade stone highlight the region’s potential as a source of valuable minerals.