Beryl var: Aquamarine (doubly-terminated) on Albite

Item Description

Aquamarine is one of the most well-known gem Beryl varieties in the world. The famous and highly prolific gem crystal-bearing pegmatite localities in the high mountains of Pakistan have produced what are inarguably among the finest examples of Aquamarine in the world. It's honestly a bit staggering to think how much good material has been found over the last 30+ years and some of the top pieces found within the last few years are among the finest matrix Aquamarine specimens in existence Most people associate Pakistani Aquas with the Shigar Valley, and this piece is a great example of said material. This attractive and showy small cabinet piece features a single, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, light blue color, hexagonal crystal of Aquamarine which is piercing all the way through blocky white Albite matrix. The Aqua crystal is doubly-terminated, as the underside shows partially re-crystallized ("re-healed") faces and a few tiny smooth lustrous basal faces as well. Minor black Schorl and silvery-beige Muscovite make for a nice accent. No major damage, only a few minor imperfections. A great quality, showy display specimen of this classic material from Shigar. The previous dealer label had a price tag of $1,500 from years ago, but I value it closer $2,500.