I'm new to Gems (no experience) and this forum. I have some questions about purchasing stones in Afghanistan. I have read all the buyer beware and soldiers being scammed. With that being said, I'm not in this for financial gains. For me it more of the the thrill of the hunt. I like the idea of maybe finding some amazing Emerald, Ruby and or Sapphires. I have always been interested in stones and fossils. As a kid I had one of those rock making kits and ever since I've been amazed with different types of stones, gems and fossils. Anyways I'm a soldier who is currently deployed in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. When I first arrived here I saw the stones in Bagram and Jbab (which our bigger bases). I had heard horror story's from friends so I decided not to buy any. The base I'm at is a smaller base which is located really close to the Dar-Re Pech Valley and Peshwar Pakistan. I Have been buying gems for a few months and have a small collection. Some I will be using as gifts for my mother and sisters so I hope I have some that are gift worthy. My collection consists of Emeralds, Ruby's, Sapphires and Tourmaline. I have done a ton of research and read hundreds of articles but I realize that is not nearly enough. I'm in the process of purchasing some tools that should help me out a little. I also don't feel that I have been lied to why purchasing the stones. I think the case might be that both the dealer and buyer are inexperienced and there for have no Idea what stones have had who knows what done to them. I'm not say that because I trust these guys because I'm not that ignorant. Must of the shop owners are here to make a quick buck and will screw a "rich" soldier over every chance they get.
I'm currently deployed in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. I have been buying gems blindly and now am looking in to getting some tools to help a novice gem collector. I almost sure I have purchased some lead glass filled rubys. They have heavily crazed or fractured surfaces of the stones. I only bought them to help myself be able to Identify them. I'm doing this for a hobby only and not for a financial gain. Soley for a hobby and the thrill of the hunt. I have been bindly collecting for a couple of months now and have a small collection. I have read different articles on buying over here and the buyer beware for soldiers deployed over here. Its not enough I really want to get in to this a little more and buy some good books and tools. If any has any adive please help me out.
I can post pictures of my collection if any on is interested.
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