Where are the largest deposits of natural stones in the world?

The largest deposits of natural stones in the world are located in various geographical regions, depending on the type of stone and the geological formation processes. These deposits vary depending on the region where the stone is mined, and some stones are identified with certain regions. Here are the largest deposits of some important natural stones in the world:

1. Diamond

• Region: South Africa, Russia, Botswana, Canada
• Important Beds:
  • Kimberley (South Africa): One of the world's most famous diamond deposits, Kimberley is a region where large quantities of diamonds are mined.
  • Mirny (Russia): Located in the Siberian region of Russia, the Mirny Diamond Mine is one of the largest open-pit diamond mines in the world.
  • Jwaneng (Botswana): One of the world's richest diamond mines, Jwaneng, is located in Botswana.
  • Diavik (Canada): Located in Canada's Northwest Territories, the Diavik Diamond Mine is a major diamond mining area.

2. Emerald

• Region: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan
• Important Beds:
  • Muzo and Chivor (Colombia): Colombia is known for mining the world's highest quality emeralds. The Muzo and Chivor deposits produce the most valuable emeralds.
  • Kagem (Zambia): Africa's largest emerald mine, Kagem produces high-quality emeralds.
  • Bahia (Brazil): Brazil is a major country in emerald production and the Bahia region has large emerald deposits.

3. Sapphire

• Region: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Australia
• Important Beds:
  • Ratnapura (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka is one of the countries with the largest and highest quality sapphire deposits in the world.
  • Ilakaka (Madagascar): Madagascar has become a major sapphire producing center since the late 1990s.
  • Mogok (Myanmar): Myanmar is particularly famous for its high-quality blue sapphires, known as "Burmese sapphires".
  • Chanthaburi (Thailand): Thailand is an important centre for the extraction and processing of sapphires.

4. Turquoise

• Region: Iran, USA (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico), China, Tibet
• Important Beds:
  • Nishapur (Iran): Iran is the most famous region where turquoise has been mined throughout history, and the Nishapur deposits produce the highest quality turquoise.
  • Arizona (USA): Arizona is an important source of turquoise. The Kingman, Sleeping Beauty and Bisbee mines are famous for their fine turquoise.
  • Hubei (China): China has become a major player in turquoise production in recent years.

5. Amethyst

• Region: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, South Korea
• Important Beds:
  • Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil): Brazil has the largest amethyst deposits in the world. The Rio Grande do Sul region is one of the most important sources of this stone.
  • Artigas (Uruguay): Uruguay is known for its production of quality amethyst, and the Artigas region is the main source of this stone.
  • Kariba (Zambia): Zambia is one of Africa's largest producers of amethyst.

6. Opal

• Region: Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, USA (Nevada)
• Important Beds:
  • Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge (Australia): Australia has the world's largest and most famous opal deposits. The opals mined from these areas are of high quality and include varieties such as 'Boulder Opal' and 'Black Opal'.
  • Welo (Ethiopia): Ethiopia has become a major player in opal production in recent years.
  • Queretaro (Mexico): Mexico is famous for its fire opals, and the Queretaro region is the main source of this stone.

7. Quartz

• Region: Brazil, Madagascar, USA (Arkansas)
• Important Beds:
  • Minas Gerais (Brazil): Brazil is one of the largest production centers where many types of quartz are extracted.
  • Madagascar: Madagascar is known for its high quality quartz crystals.
  • Arkansas (USA): Arkansas is famous for its large quartz crystals that are renowned around the world.

8. Jade

• Region: Myanmar, China, Guatemala, Canada
• Important Beds:
  • Mogok (Myanmar): Myanmar is one of the world's largest sources of jade, especially the jadeite type.
  • Khotan (China): China is known for its production of jade based on nephrite.
  • Motagua Valley (Guatemala): Guatemala was an important source of jadeite in the ancient Maya civilization.

9. Granite

• Region: India, Brazil, China, Norway, Finland
• Important Beds:
  • Tamil Nadu (India): India is one of the largest granite producers in the world.
  • Minas Gerais (Brazil): Brazil produces granite in a variety of colors and patterns.
  • Xiamen (China): China is an important center for granite production.

10. Marble

• Region: Italy, Turkey, Greece, India, China
• Important Beds:
  • Carrara (Italy): Carrara marble is one of the most famous marbles in the world and is widely used in sculpture.
  • Afyon and Marmara Island (Turkey): Turkey is famous for its high-quality white marble.
  • Thassos (Greece): The island of Thassos is known for its production of high-quality white marble.

Conclusion

The largest deposits of natural stones are located in various parts of the world depending on the geological formation processes of the stones. These deposits are the determining factors regarding the quality, colors and availability of stones. These natural stones extracted from different parts of the world are of great importance both commercially and aesthetically and are appreciated worldwide.