Nigeria is making headlines with a groundbreaking $400 million Foreign Direct Investment aimed at establishing Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State. This major development is shining a spotlight on the country’s vast and largely untapped mineral resources.
From the rugged plateaus of Jos to the rolling hills of Ekiti, Nigeria boasts an impressive array of rare and precious gemstones. Many of these gems are gaining increasing global recognition for their exceptional quality and unique characteristics.
Below is a list of 10 rare gemstones found across Nigeria and the specific regions where they are mined, highlighting the country’s rich geological diversity and growing potential in the global gemstone market.
Here are 10 rare gemstones and the regions in Nigeria where they are discovered.
1. Benitoite – Bauchi State
Nicknamed the ‘Blue Diamond’, benitoite is a brilliant blue gemstone known for its rarity and intense colour. Although famously associated with California, small deposits have been discovered in Bauchi State, making Nigeria one of the few places on Earth where this gem occurs.
2. Niobium – Plateau State
Often overlooked as a gemstone, niobium is a rare metal with lustrous appeal, used extensively in aerospace and electronics. Nigeria is among the leading global sources of niobium, with Plateau State being a major mining area.
3. Tourmaline – Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State
Ijero Ekiti is famed for its stunning tourmaline deposits, which come in vibrant green and pink shades. Highly valued in the global gemstone market, Nigerian tourmalines are prized for their clarity and brilliance.
4. Sapphire – Kaduna State
Nigerian sapphires are known for their rich blue and greenish-blue tones. Found primarily in Kaduna State, these precious stones are used in high-end jewellery and are gaining international recognition for their depth of colour.
5. Barite – Cross River State
Though not a traditional gemstone, barite plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry. Found in large deposits in Cross River, it is valued for its high density and use in drilling fluids.
6. Morganite – Oyo State
This pink-to-peach beryl gemstone is cherished for its romantic hues and brilliance. Nigerian morganite, found in Oyo State, is of exceptional quality and is increasingly being used in engagement rings and luxury jewellery.
7. Sphalerite – Zamfara State
Sphalerite is a zinc-rich mineral with striking reflections that sometimes show fiery orange, red, or green flashes. Beyond its industrial use, its gem-quality crystals make it a rare collector’s item.
8. Aquamarine – Oyo State
With its serene sea-blue to blue-green colours, aquamarine is a beloved gemstone found abundantly in Oyo State. Nigerian aquamarines are renowned for their transparency and natural beauty.
9. Emerald – Jos, Plateau State
Nigeria’s emeralds, particularly from Jos, stand out for their rich green hue and clarity. As one of the most valuable gemstones globally, Nigerian emeralds are becoming a force in the global market.
10. Goshenite – Nasarawa State
Goshenite is a colourless variety of beryl and is often cut as a diamond alternative due to its clarity and brilliance. It is found in Nasarawa State and adds a unique option to Nigeria’s gemstone offerings.
