Microcline var: Amazonite (translucent!) with Smoky Quartz (RARE locality)

Item Description

This is one of the very few specimens of Amazonite that we've had to offer from Afghanistan. This particular piece came from a small lot that we acquired around 2008, and I sold it, only to end up buying it back by way of another dealer. They are certainly interesting for what they are, for the fact that you don't expect to see Amazonite from Afghanistan, and the crystals are good quality to boot! Amazonite typically is not known as being "gem quality" material, but this piece would certainly be considered in that category. The crystal on this specimen is a very well-formed, sharp, prismatic Amazonite crystal with a VIBRANT blue-green color, but when the crystal is backlit, it shows amazing translucency for the material! Typically Amazonites are opaque, but these crystals from Afghanistan are some of the best "gem quality" examples of this Microcline variety that I've seen. To top it off, the Amazonite is sitting among contrasting, richly colored Smoky Quartz. A really attractive and excellent quality specimen (in terms of gemminess) that is rarely seen on the market these days. Valued $1,500.