Beryl var. Aquamarine on Muscovite and Albite ex Meieran

Item Description

This fine aquamarine from the Gene Meieran collection is a perfectly trimmed and balanced small cabinet specimen with a single, starkly upright, blue gemmy transparent aquamarine perched right in the middle of a nest of lustrous blades of muscovite. Several things make this special. The quality of the aquamarine is high, with luster, transparency, and bright color. But more than that, it is the balance of the crystal (just over an inch tall) standing so perfectly and upright among what seems an unorderly but sculptural cluster of mica crystals. You would expect the aquamarine to look haphazardly placed as well, but it does not, making it all the more a contrast of geometry, as well as color and texture. At one time, Gene had over 200 aquamarines in the collection and was heard to say publicly that "one can never have too many aquamarines" out loud. That was 20 years ago. Now, he probably has too many, carefully hoarded over decades as he has been buying since they started coming out in the 1980s. This is a really fine small cabinet specimen for most collectors, that won't break the bank to deliver a "fineness" that is often missing. No repairs, no restorations, either. Valued $3500-4500.