Marki Khel

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Sherzad District, Nangarhar, Afghanistan

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Key Information

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  • Marki Khel is in Sherzad District, Nangarhar, Afghanistan, about 85 km ESE of Kabul, near the Pakistan border.

  • It produces minerals like magnetite, andradite, and epidote, with unique metamorphic formations.

  • The area features Paleoproterozoic metamorphic rocks, intruded by Cretaceous plutonic rocks.

  • Mining history includes talc deposits, with specimens sometimes misattributed to Pakistan.

  • The culture is predominantly Pashtun, with traditions like poetry and hospitality.

  • The climate is subtropical steppe, hot and dry, with minimal rainfall affecting mineral preservation.

Geographic Location

Marki Khel is located in the Sherzad District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, approximately 85 km ESE of Kabul, on the north slopes of the Spin Ghar range, near the Pakistan border. Its coordinates are 34° 8' 20'' North, 70° 0' 28'' East. Nearby settlements include Ḩukūmatī Azrah, Deri Mila, and Jalālābād, making it accessible for enthusiasts exploring the region.

Minerals Produced

The locality is known for producing a variety of minerals, including magnetite, andradite, epidote, vesuvianite, diopside, chamosite, and clinochlore. These minerals, especially andradite and epidote, are of particular interest due to their unique occurrences within the metamorphic formations.

Geological and Mining Context

Marki Khel's geology consists of Paleoproterozoic high-grade metamorphic rocks like gneiss and marble, intruded by Cretaceous plutonic rocks such as gabbro and granodiorite. The Markikhel - Ghunday talc deposit is a key feature, with a history of mining that includes small-scale operations, and some specimens were historically misattributed to Parachinar, Pakistan.

Cultural and Environmental Setting

The area is predominantly Pashtun, with a culture rich in traditions like Landay poetry and Pashtunwali, emphasizing hospitality and honor. The climate is a subtropical steppe, hot and dry, with minimal rainfall, which influences the preservation of mineral specimens.

Citations