Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t11.10

v2.c43.s3.t11.10

The largest known lapis lazuli mines are situated in Badakshan in the north-east corner of Afghanistan, in the upper part of the valley of the Kokcha, a tributary on the left bank of the Oxus (36-1/2°N latitude and 70-1/2°E longitude). The anicent mining method involved putting up big fires in the mine, soaking the heated rocks with water and then hammering the loosened and cracked pieces of blue rock.