ENHANCING VALUE OF NIGERIAN GEMS THROUGH LAPIDARIES

Various geological reports on Nigerian Geology reviewed indicate that gemstones occur in all the geologic units of Nigeria. They are however concentrated within the 400km long and 150km wide NE-SW trending pegmatite belt of Central Nigeria. At present only one Lapidary situated in Jos exist in the country where gems are faceted and polished into different shapes. Surprisingly, demand for cut and polished Nigerian gems which have several uses is on the increase internationally. This paper will attempt to look at the various gems in Nigeria in the light of the mineral supply process. However, more emphasis will be laid on the techniques of processing the gems