Minerals

A dark sodium–iron pyroxene characteristic of alkaline rocks and documented in the rare-mineral assemblages of Dara-i-Pioz.

A sodium plagioclase feldspar common in granites and pegmatites; at Dara-i-Pioz it is a major phase of a rare quartz–albite–aegirine rock.

A ring silicate mineral family that includes emerald and aquamarine.

A widespread carbonate mineral and the principal component of limestone and marble.

A magnesium-rich humite-group mineral whose yellow to orange crystals are documented at Kuh-i-Lal in the South Pamir.

An aluminium oxide mineral whose gem varieties include ruby and sapphire.

Crystalline carbon and the hardest natural material, prized as a gemstone and important as a recorder of conditions deep in Earth's mantle.

A colourful calcium fluoride mineral notable for perfect cleavage and frequent fluorescence.

The magnesium end-member of olivine, present in the unusual ultra-magnesian metamorphic assemblages at Kuh-i-Lal.

A family of cubic silicates sharing one structure but spanning several compositions and many gemstone colours.

A deep-blue sodalite-group silicate and the mineral that gives lapis lazuli its colour; it is recorded near Ishkoshim in the Pamir.

A hydrated amorphous silica mineraloid; ordered silica spheres in precious opal can produce play-of-colour.

One of Earth's most abundant minerals, occurring in many geological environments.

A durable oxide mineral whose transparent red varieties have long been confused with ruby.

A calcium–titanium silicate found in small amounts in many plutonic and metamorphic rocks; its uranium–lead ages help date the deep crust exposed in Pamir gneiss domes.

A hard aluminium silicate mineral valued both as a gemstone and geological indicator.

A chemically complex mineral group known for its wide range of colours.

A durable zirconium silicate found in small amounts in many rocks; its uranium–lead ages help date how the Pamir's deep crust rose to the surface.