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Durr Al Najaf

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. The gemstone stands out among other stones by 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 it's 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 among the Shia Muslims.

Upon preparation of the stones to be worn as rings or necklaces, names of religious figures 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 it's 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 of the holy lands such as Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya[3].

Religious and cultural significance

Durr Al Najaf is a precious gemstone, one of many which hold special significance in Islamic culture. It is considered a sunnah to wear gemstone rings in specific fingers and ways. This is based on Hadith about the prophet Muhammad wearing a silver ring on his right hand which he used to put with the stone facing towards his palm. There is other Hadith concerning precious stones and how to wear them.

Some believe gemstones have mental and physical healing powers where you should wear different precious gemstones for different purposes such as peace of mind and prevention of illness.