Fluorapatite and Aquamarine on Muscovite

Item Description

Chumar Bakhoor, a pegmatite district high in the Himalayas, is famous for it fine specimens, particularly its gem crystals. In this classic combination, the featured minerals are Fluorapatite and Aquamarine, all on a layer of 1.6 cm Muscovite blades. The centerpiece is a well-formed, pink, translucent crystal of Fluorapatite that measures 1.7 x 1.1 cm. Hexagonal and nicely-terminated, the edges are sharply beveled and they intersect at smooth, perfectly modified corners. Even with a tiny bit of wear, you could hardly ask for better form, and the Apatite has classic, yellow-white fluorescence. The associated Aquas reach up to 2.2 cm, and they are lustrous and gemmy. Many of the crystals on this small-cabinet piece are doubly terminated, which adds to the attraction. This is a very sharp combination piece from this great locality, and having the Fluorapatite as the dominant gem crystal adds to the aesthetics.