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Application of Lapidary Technology for a Sustainable Gemstone resource development in Ethiopia

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Mineral Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Mines, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 486, Ethiopia
  • 2Mineral Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Mines, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 486, Ethiopia

Int. Res. J. Earth Sci., Volume 14, Issue (2), Pages 18-22, August,25 (2026)

Abstract

Ethiopia is home to significant and diverse mineral resources. The country has over 40 varieties of colored gemstones, including emerald, tourmaline, opal, aquamarine, jasper, agate, Chrysoprase, peridot, and amethyst. The colored gemstone mining taking place in Ethiopia is commonly conducted by Artisanal miners. ASMs don’t use lapidary technology for value addition and this is reported as being extremely challenging. Due to this fact, most of the business owners export rough gemstones. The main reason behind exporting of rough gemstone is due to the lack of lapidary technologies, lack of financial access and trained lapidariest and that can cut and polish gemstones with the target market demand.

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