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Nigeria is making waves with a revolutionary $400 million Foreign Direct Investment dedicated to creating Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing facility in Nasarawa State.
This significant project is shining a light on the country's extensive and mostly underexploited mineral wealth. From the rugged landscapes of Jos to the undulating hills of Ekiti, Nigeria is home to a remarkable variety of rare and valuable gemstones. Many of these gems are receiving heightened global attention due to their outstanding quality and distinct features.
Below is a compilation of 10 rare gemstones found throughout Nigeria, along with the specific regions of their extraction, showcasing the nation's rich geological diversity and its expanding potential in the global gemstone market. Here are 10 rare gemstones along with their respective Nigerian regions of occurrence.
1. Benitoite – Bauchi State: Known as the “Blue Diamond,” benitoite is a rare and brilliant blue gemstone recognized for its exceptional color. Although it is famously linked to California, minor deposits have been found in Bauchi State, making Nigeria one of the limited locations worldwide for this gemstone.
2. Niobium – Plateau State: Often dismissed as a gemstone, niobium is a rare metal with a lustrous appearance, extensively applied in aerospace and electronics. Nigeria is one of the leading global suppliers of niobium, with Plateau State being a primary mining hub.
3. Tourmaline – Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State: Ijero Ekiti is renowned for its beautiful tourmaline deposits, available in vivid green and pink hues. Highly sought after in the international gemstone market, Nigerian tourmalines are valued for their clarity and brilliance.
4. Sapphire – Kaduna State: Nigerian sapphires are recognized for their rich blue and greenish-blue shades. Predominantly sourced from Kaduna State, these precious gems are popular in high-end jewelry and are gaining global recognition for their vibrant color.
5. Barite – Cross River State: Although not a conventional gemstone, barite is essential in the oil and gas sector. It is found in substantial quantities in Cross River and prized for its density and roles in drilling fluids.
6. Morganite – Oyo State: This pink-to-peach beryl gemstone is admired for its romantic shades and brilliance. The Nigerian morganite, found in Oyo State, is of remarkable quality and is increasingly favored for engagement rings and luxury jewelry.
7. Sphalerite – Zamfara State: Sphalerite is a mineral rich in zinc, displaying striking reflections of fiery orange, red, or green. In addition to its industrial applications, its gem-quality crystals are sought after by collectors.
8. Aquamarine – Oyo State: Known for its calming sea-blue to blue-green colors, aquamarine is a cherished gemstone found extensively in Oyo State. Nigerian aquamarines are celebrated for their transparency and inherent beauty.
9. Emerald – Jos, Plateau State: Nigeria's emeralds, especially those from Jos, are notable for their deep green color and clarity. As one of the most sought-after gemstones globally, Nigerian emeralds are establishing a significant presence in the international market.
10. Goshenite – Nasarawa State: Goshenite is a colorless variant of beryl that is often used as an alternative to diamonds due to its clarity and brilliance. Found in Nasarawa State, it adds a unique element to Nigeria’s gemstone offerings.
