Aquamarine (GEM quality - excellent rare locality specimen)

Item Description

The famous, historic pegmatites around Groton, New Hampshire are among the most well-known pegmatites in all of New England. The Palermo No. 2 Mine typically isn't known as a big specimen producer, but some fine pieces have come out from time to time, including some excellent gem quality Aquamarines. This piece comes to us directly from one of the owners of the Palermo No. 2 Mine, Robert Whitmore, and is one of the best quality Aquas we've had to offer in the auctions. What makes the crystal so significant is that is has large WATER-CLEAR sections, along with the fact that it is incredibly well-formed with sharp, distinct hexagonal faces, including a complete basal termination. The crystal has lovely very pale blue color, with some iron oxide inclusions. Certainly one of the most impressive examples of gem grade Beryl that we've ever had to offer from this locality. Specimen weight is 5.01 grams. A must have stone for anybody who collects minerals of New England or the United States, or a fan of gem quality Beryl. Keep in mind that Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March, so this would make a fabulous gift for someone with a birthday in that month. It's difficult to ascertain a fair market value for a piece like this based upon the rarity and exceedingly high quality, but if I had it on the shelf at a show, I would price in the $2,500 range.