Pakistan itself is surrounded by India, the Arabian Sea, Iran and Afghanistan. Pakistan, like Burma, was once part of British India. However, when India gained independence in 1947, Moslem leaders stipulated that a separate Moslem state be created, and the nation of Pakistan was born.

Today, Pakistan is a world leader in the international gemstone industry, its northern areas rich in mineral treasures such as: Topaz, peridot, ruby, garnet, emerald, amethyst, zircon, aquamarine, sapphire, tourmaline, red spinel, diopside, fluorite, apatite, moonstone and rose quartz.

These geological developments produced a distinct mineral presence in Northern Pakistan. The mines of Katlang area, in the Mardan region located near the Peshawar Valley, are famous for fine quality purple to pink Topaz. Topaz also occurs in the Gilgit and Skardu Districts, these crystals are found in colors varying from yellow to brown, golden-yellow, honey-yellow, champagne and sherry-wine colors.