An exquisite gem from the Himalayas...

Pakistan's high Himalaya pink gem is unusual and very valuable.

A four-inch (10 cm) pink apatite crystal mined in Pakistan's high Himalaya is among nature's finest formations. Its flawless clarity and vivid color make it striking to behold and valuable to gem collectors, though its brittle composition limits its popularity with jewelry makers. Apatite is usually a glittering green, though yellow, brown, blue, purple, and clear varieties can be found. These phosphate minerals are often mined from sedimentary rocks that were formed in marine and lake environments.

From National Geographic's "Hidden Earth" which you can purchase here.