Belqeys Mountain

Mindat.org

Takab County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

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Key Information

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  • Belqeys Mountain, in Takab County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, is known for demantoid garnets, a gem-quality green variety of andradite.

  • It is located 34 km northeast of Takab, in northwestern Iran, near Turkey and Iraq borders.

  • The geological structure is metamorphic, with mica schists, quartzites, and marbles, likely forming the garnets through metamorphic processes.

  • Mining started around 2013, likely small-scale and artisanal, with specimens sold by dealers.

  • Local culture blends Azeri and Kurdish traditions, with historical sites like Takht-e Soleyman nearby.

  • The climate is temperate, with cooler mountain conditions, and the ecology includes forested areas with diverse flora and fauna.

Direct Answer

Belqeys Mountain, found in Takab County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, is a fascinating spot for mineral crystal enthusiasts, especially for its demantoid garnets, known for their vibrant green color and gem quality. Here's what you need to know:

Location and Geography
It sits about 34 km northeast of Takab, a city in northwestern Iran, close to the borders with Turkey and Iraq. This mountainous region is part of Iranian Azerbaijan, offering a scenic backdrop with nearby historical sites like Takht-e Soleyman, a Zoroastrian fire temple and World Heritage Site (Mindat.org).

Minerals and Geology
The mountain is famous for demantoid garnets, alongside diopside and vesuvianite. These form in a metamorphic setting, with rocks like mica schists and marbles, suggesting the garnets developed through intense heat and pressure deep underground (iRocks Fine Minerals).

Mining History
Mining began around 2013, discovered by Vachik Hairapetian, and seems to be small-scale, with specimens often sold through mineral dealers, hinting at artisanal methods (Mindat.org).

Local Culture and Environment
The area reflects a mix of Azeri and Kurdish cultures, with Takab known for agriculture, livestock, and gold mining. The climate is temperate, cooler at the mountain's 2,441-meter elevation, and the ecology likely includes forests with diverse plants and wildlife (Visit Iran).

An unexpected detail is how recent the discovery is, making it a new gem in the world of mineral collecting, yet already compared to famous Russian deposits for quality.

Citations