Luc Yen

 

Luc Yen is a district located in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam. Throughout its history, Luc Yen has been known for its gemstone deposits

Luc Yen is a district located in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam. The district has a rich history that dates back centuries. Throughout its history, Luc Yen has been known for its gemstone deposits and has played a significant role in the gemstone trade in northern Vietnam. The gemstone mining industry  has contributed to the district’s economic development and cultural heritage.

Precious stones such as ruby, sapphire, and spinel are found in both primary and secondary deposits. This discovery brought attention to the region’s geological significance and sparked a mining boom in 1987. These gem deposits have attracted gemologists and traders from around the world due to the high quality and variety of gemstones found there.

Located in the northeast region of Vietnam, Luc Yen is a picturesque and rugged hill country close to the border with China. The area is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rivers. Luc Yen is a rural district within Yen Bai province, with a population of 108,817 as of 2019. It is characterized by its unique geological features, shaped by a series of deformation episodes in Southeast Asia’s tectonic history.

Gemstone Deposits in Luc Yen

The mine is a notable site for gemstone extraction. The mine is known for its deposits of high-quality rubies and gem spinels. These gemstones are found within the Lo Gam metamorphic zone, which is part of the larger Red River shear zone. The geological characteristics of the area contribute to the formation of these precious gemstones, making this a significant source of gemstones in Vietnam.

The Luc Yen area in Vietnam’s Yen Bai province has a significant history related to gemstone mining. Gems such as ruby, sapphire, and spinel were discovered there in 1987, both in primary and secondary deposits. The area has rich tectonic history inherited from multiple deformation episodes in Southeast Asia. Luc Yen is a rugged and beautiful hill country located northeast of Hanoi and close to the border with China. It is a rural district with a population of 108,817 as of 2019.

Luc Yen is a district located in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam. Throughout its history, Luc Yen has been known for its gemstone depositsGemstone Market in Luc Yen

The Luc Yen gem market has been in operation for over 25 years, is situated at a picturesque corner of a lake in Yen The town, Luc Yen district. It serves as a center for trading gemstones and is a unique gem market in Vietnam. The Luc Yen mine, located in the district, is known for its ruby and gem spinel deposits. The area is part of the Red River shear zone and the Lo Gam metamorphic zone.

The gemstone market is located in Yen The, Township, Yen Bai Province, Vietnam. Known for its rich gemstone deposits, including rubies, sapphires, and spinels. The market has become a popular destination for gemstone enthusiasts and traders.

The gemstone market offers a wide variety of natural gems from Vietnam and other regions. The market features both cut and uncut stones, with prices varying depending on the quality and rarity of the gemstones. The market operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, and it attracts both local buyers and international visitors.

The gemstone market is known for its bustling atmosphere and is busiest during its limited operating hours. Despite its short opening time, the market offers a unique opportunity to explore and purchase gemstones directly from the source. It is a popular destination for gemstone collectors, jewelry makers, and those interested in the gemstone industry.

Luc Yen is a district located in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam. Throughout its history, Luc Yen has been known for its gemstone depositsOther Tourist Activities in Luc Yen

In addition to its gemstone attractions, other tourist activities showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the district. Visitors can explore the picturesque landscapes, including the stunning mountain ranges, lush valleys, and serene lakes.

The district is also known for its cultural values, which are deeply rooted in the national identity of Vietnam. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting historical sites, temples, and traditional villages. Luc Yen District provides opportunities for activities such as trekking, cycling, and exploring the surrounding nature, allowing visitors to experience the district’s natural and cultural treasures.

Overall, this is a destination that combines the allure of gemstone mining and trading with the exploration of natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, Luc Yen offers a unique and captivating experience.

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Gia article about mining in Luc Yen

Andy’s diary entry from 2020

This is one of my favourite places in the world!
It is a small mining town of around 2 000 people, 200 kms N/NW of Hanoi (about 4 hours in a minivan!)
We usually spend two or three days here as it is the main town in the mining district. There is a smorgasbord of gems mined locally including, Spinel (in red, purple and blue), Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline and Tektites. Every morning from 9am there is a gem market in the centre of town with 40 dealers selling a full range of cut and rough gems. Interestingly all the dealers are women and they do drive a very hard bargain. Luckily there are very few tourists who visit and so the starting price isn’t too high.
We also go out into the surrounding countryside to see how the locals live and mine the gems. In the past we have been invited into the homes of local people to drink green tea, rice wine and buy gems. The locals have a wonderful sense of humour and as they don’t speak English (naturally enough), we engage in lively games of charades!
Between rice planting seasons, the locals dig their paddies in search of gems and usually find them by the kilo, not all facet grade of course. We buy these by the plate load and you never know what you’ll find until we get back to the hotel and share them out.
For the more adventurous, there is an optional trip up to where hard rock mining occurs. The hills around Yen The are primarily white marble dotted with red or blue Spinel, with green Pargasite and these are beautifully carved and sold in shops in town.
The trip up involves motorbikes on mountain tracks and a trek through scrub. I have seen videos but have yet to find anyone who wants to join me on the trip!
The other interesting part of the town, is watching the making of gemstone paintings. The low grade Ruby, Sapphire and Spinels, are crushed into a fine powder. This is then layered onto a Perspex base and the paintings created. The artists are highly skilled and can reproduce any photograph they are given. I have commissioned dog portraits and the end result is eerily like the original photograph.
Finally of course, is the food. The cuisine is not as diverse or flavoursome as found in Hanoi or Saigon, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Chicken and duck are the main meats and are accompanied by vegies, rice and soup.
Another interesting feature is the rice wine. It is locally made by just about everyone and the restaurants serve it up in old Whiskey bottles. You only pay for what you drink and there is an endless variety of flavours, just don’t ask me about the Gecko wine!