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Kenya
There are a variety of gemstones mined in Kenya. Kenya is famous for Tsavorite Garnet or Green garnet which is named after the Tsavo area where it was first discovered. Other gemstones mined in Kenya are Aquamarine, Green Beryl, Iolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Colour change garnet, Grossular Garnet, Rhodolite, Pyrope, and Red Garnet, Quartz, Kyanite, Apatite, Epidote, Idocrase, Tourmaline, Kornerupine, and Spinel.
Most of the gemstones are mined in the South – East area of Kenya in Taita Taveta and Kwale Counties. Other areas with gem deposits are Turkana, Baringo, Kitui, Kajiado, Garbatullah, Lodwar and Embu.
Mining in Kenya is still in its infancy. Many areas especially in Northern Kenya largely remain untapped. There is a need to increase mining activities in Kenya.
Most of the mining is done by small-scale and artisanal miners. The challenges they face are lack of machinery, expertise, access to capital, and access to the market.