TABLE 3:
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN GEMSTONE QUARRIES

(Note: coordinates are based on the WGS 84 datum and correspond precisely with the locations visible in Google Earth. Revised 19 April 2009)
 

* * * * * SINAI PENINSULA * * * * *

1. at Bir Nasib [29d 2.20m N, 33d 23.90m E] (MK-NK) -- turquoise (?, not well documented)

2. at Serabit el-Khadim [29d 2.20m N, 33d 27.50m E] (MK-LP) -- turquoise

3. in Wadi Maghara [28d 53.83m N, 33d 22.20m E] (ED-NK) -- turquoise

* * * * * EASTERN DESERT * * * * *

4. at Abu Diyeiba near Wadi Waseef [26d 31.15m N, 33d 49.56m E] (Pt-R) -- amethyst

5. at Gebel Migif [24d 48.39m N, 34d 27.18m E] (NK:18) -- amazonite

6. in Wadi Fayrouz at Gebel Hafafit [24d 45.29m N, 34d 34.45m E] (Pt-R) -- amazonite

7. at Gebel Zabara [24d 46.30m N, 34d 43.10m E] (R-Is) -- beryl (emerald)

8. in Wadi Sikait [24d 39.50m N, 34d 47.80m E] (late Pt-R) -- beryl (emerald)

    Northern workings: 24d 39.56m N, 34d 48.00m E

    Southern workings:  24d 38.30m N, 34d 47.70m E

9. at Gebel Umm Harba [24d 38.52m N, 34d 49.67m E] (R) -- beryl (emerald)

10. in Wadi Abu Rasheid [24d 38.20m N, 34d 45.99m E] (R) -- beryl (emerald)

    Northwest workings: 24d 40.44m N, 34d 44.65m E

    Southeast workings: 24d 38.20m N, 34d 45.90m E

11. in Wadi Nugrus [24d 37.20m N, 34d 46.40m E] (R) -- beryl (emerald)

    Northwest workings: 24d 37.23m N, 34d 46.36m E

    Southeast workings: 24d 36.78m N, 34d 47.13m E

12. at Umm Kabu [24d 35.30m N, 34d 53.60m E] (R) -- beryl (emerald)

13. in and near Wadi el-Hudi (MK) -- amethyst

    Northern workings: 23d 58.19m N, 33d 7.75m E

    Central workings: 23d 57.69m N, 33d 7.84m E

    Southern workings: 23d 56.81m N, 33d 8.86m E

* * * * * RED SEA * * * * *

14. on Zabargad (St. John's) Island [23d 36.10m N, 36d 11.48m E] (Pt-R) -- peridot

* * * * * WESTERN DESERT * * * * *

15. at Stela Ridge near Gebel el-Asr [22d 54.00m N, 31d 19.00m E] (MK) -- carnelian and other varieties of colored chalcedony, including banded agate



James A. Harrell 
Department of Environmental Sciences
The University of Toledo


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