Beryl var. Aquamarine: Haramosh Mountains, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Description

Species: Beryl var. Aquamarine, Albite, Microcline

Locality: Haramosh Mts., Roundu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Size: 11.5 x 7.5 x 4.7 cm.

SOLD

There is certainly not shortage of fine aquamarine specimens from Pakistan on the mineral specimen market at the moment… so much so that it’s easy to forget that as recently as 40 years ago truly fine aquamarine crystals on matrix were almost unheard of from anywhere. However, as with any mineral, some are better than others, and this superb specimen exemplifies the qualities collectors should look for in a top matrix aqua: a cluster of sky blue, highly-gemmy crystals with bright glassy luster and zero damage, placed aesthetically on a matrix of snow white albite and microcline feldspar. The aquamarine crystals have exceptional transparency and glassiness for this less common Pakistani locality, the Haramosh Mountains. The main aqua cluster is actually doubly-terminated, and really has a great placement on the matrix. This choice specimen has a tag from Fine Minerals International, and was in a high-end private collection after that. Beautiful!! Mark Cross photo.