Beryl var: Aquamarine (rare locality specimen)

Item Description

Beryl crystals from Spruce Pine are fairly hard to find on the market, especially featuring well-formed crystals on matrix like this piece. I've seen a decent number of Emeralds and Heliodors from this area, but Aquamarine crystals seem to be less common. A 6.0 cm, sharp, prismatic, hexagonal crystal of beautiful blue Aquamarine sits on pinkish-beige colored Feldspar matrix. The prism faces are in fine condition, though neither end of the crystal is terminated. The piece displays nicely and is one of the best examples of Aquamarine on matrix that we've ever had to offer from the area.
From the collection of John Whatley, a well-known Georgia collector (1939-2022). John had many interests and hobbies, and favorite hobby was collecting rocks and minerals. He was a member of the Augusta and Aiken, SC Gem and Mineral Society. He also enjoyed collecting arrowheads and he co-authored the book, An Overview of Georgia Projectile Points and Select Cutting Tools. He was a member of the Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama Archaeology Societies and he also enjoyed volunteering in the Archaeology Department at SRS.
You can read more about John at: https://www.thomaspoteet.com/obituaries/john-whatley