Durr Al Najaf information

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Durr Al Najaf (Arabic: دُر ٱلنَّجَف) is a glossy and clear gemstone from the quartz family. The name means "pearl of Najaf" as it can only be sourced from Wadi-al-Salaam (Arabic: وادي السلام, romanized: Wādī al-Salām, lit. 'Valley of Peace') in Najaf, Iraq. The gemstone is found along the west of Najaf close by the Najaf Sea. It stands out among other stones for its unique translucency. The gemstones are collected at very specific times, especially on sunny days after rain which washes the stones and allows the sun to increase their glitter, making it easier for the collectors to find.^[1] The collecting locals know the best times to collect the stone as it holds religious value especially among the Shia Muslims.

Upon preparation of the stones to be worn as rings or necklaces, names of religious figures such as the names of Muhammad and his family, or an Āyah from the Quran are usually engraved on the stones by tradition.^[2]

Durr Al Najaf can be found in four forms:

• White Glossy Durr: also known as Star Durr
• Petrol Durr: known as such as it leans towards a bright black color
• Hussainy Durr: ranging from translucent to darker red
• Abu Shaara Durr: known for thin lines like hair hence its name

While Durr Al Najaf is not commonly imported or exported, it does have a market where collectors sell finished Durr Al Najaf stones to visitors to Islamic religious sites including Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya.^[1]