In Search of Pink Fire: A Journey to the Katlang Pink Topaz Mines
Field expedition account to Ghundao Hill in Katlang, Mardan District, one of the only places on Earth where naturally stable, vivid pink topaz is found. Mined through small-scale, traditional methods by local communities, reaching the famous “parallel mine” took trust, patience, and respect. Unlike treated stones, Katlang’s pink topaz retains its natural colour, making it one of the rarest gems in the world.
Ghundao hill, Katlang, Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan, is one of the only places on earth to produce rare gem-grade, naturally stable, Vivid Pink Topaz. In search of the famous mines, particularly the parallel mine, our team decided to venture deep into Pakistan's tribal country.
The slate here is mostly quarried for construction, but every so often, veins of calcite appear, and that’s when things get interesting. These veins are the main indicators that topaz might be present, so miners follow them closely. Mining in this area is small-scale and locally run.
Once the dynamite is placed, the miners scatter for cover, and then, "VOOM VOOM VOOM", the sound of explosions echoes through the valley. After the dust settles, they return to comb through the debris, hoping for topaz crystals tucked inside the rubble.
Some miners combine blasting with other techniques or use more manual methods, carving out trench-like open pits. We also came across a deeper underground mine, but locals had sealed it off. There were issues with outsiders sneaking in at night, stealing production, or leaving the site in a mess.
One clear downside to blasting is that it often damages the very thing they're looking for. Topaz has perfect cleavage, meaning it breaks perfectly, which leads to a lot of otherwise valuable crystals ending up fragmented.
One thing we have to share is that a lot of Namak mandi pink topaz is treated and not of Katlang origin, usually sent to Lahore for irradiation/heat treatment. For photographs of faded pink topaz not from this locality, get a copy of Gem Trails of Pakistan. If you expose the material to sunlight over time, the hue will fade and become nearly colourless. Another treatment is heating orangish brown topaz, which leads to a pink colour in some topaz.
Most pink topaz on the world market is not naturally pink, but is treated topaz. Natural, untreated topaz is very rare in the world.
A natural, untreated pink topaz from Katlang will not fade, due to the natural impurities of chromium ions causing the colour; many tests have been done and have confirmed this. The Pink topaz of these mines is stable. Unfortunately, sometimes a good deal doesn’t mean you are getting the real deal. We source our topaz and other stones directly from sources, helping local communities and making sure you get natural, real gemstones.
The area of Mardan historically was a part of the ancient Gandhara Buddhist civilisation; remains of the past can be seen with some monasteries still present, and many artefacts being unearthed in surrounding areas. There are many more ancient sites, from different civilisations that are highly advanced.
Topaz from this area is not just because of its looks, it’s about the history, the people, the rare geological processes that have led to the existence of a rare form of stable topaz here in this area. Only true collectors and gem enthusiasts fully appreciate its worth, and prices are set to rise due to limited, uncertain mining and the rarity of these exceptional stones.
Another site of topaz, which also produces imperial type of champagne to yellow topaz, is in the surrounding mountains located near the village of Shamozai, Katlang, Mardan district, KPK, Pakistan. This mine site is one of the mines at the Shamozai mine site. You can see the trench, step-like cuts dug into the mountain, using the material for construction, but also finding topaz. Pink topaz also comes from this mine site, which we have confirmed on site. For more information about the Shamozai mine site, we will upload another blog post, but for more detailed information, including stunning photos, get a copy of Gem Trails of Pakistan.
In conclusion, Katlang isn’t just about pink topaz; it’s about the land, the people, and the journey it takes to reach places like Ghundao Hill. The stories here don’t come neatly packaged; you have to climb, ask questions, gain trust, and sometimes just figure things out as you go. That’s the reality of fieldwork in Pakistan, and it’s what makes these stones more than just minerals; they carry context, history, and human effort.
We weren’t just collecting samples; we were building relationships, piecing together untold stories, and documenting what might otherwise stay hidden. The natural pink topaz of Katlang is rare, but so is the full picture around it: the geology, the culture, the risk, and the reward. This blog is just one small window into that. The rest, we’ve saved for Gem Trails of Pakistan.
Own a Rare Natural Pink Topaz from the Legendary Mines
If you’re looking to acquire a Rare Natural Pink Topaz, from rough stones, expertly cut gems, or fine collector’s pieces, our team is here to assist. We work directly with local miners, ensuring your purchase supports the communities at the source. You can look through our online catalogue, or for personalised guidance or to discuss the availability of Pink Topaz or other exceptional gemstones, please contact our Client Advisory Team.
All photographs have been taken by and © copyright protected by Origin Gems.
Comments
Mohammad R.
This is something never been seen or done before, Allah Huma Barik, this is the exact kind of Blogs/Documentation the Gem world needed to Preserve for the Future Generations..