Trapiche Emerald (rare complete crystal)

Item Description

A very rare trapiche emerald in albite matrix from Colombia. They are characteristically hexagonal. The proposed mechanism for the formation of trapiche emeralds is as follows: First, the central, tapered core grows under hydrothermal conditions. Second, growth may slow or even stop for a while. Next, growth conditions change again, and both emerald and albite are formed. However, the hexagonal prism faces of the core crystal are able to maintain their uniform growth, producing pure emerald, while areas growing from the edges between prism faces are not, and are filled by albite. This results in six sectors of clear emerald, and six of predominantly albite and minor emerald. Thus, the central core and the six surrounding sectors of a trapiche emerald comprise a single, untwinned crystal. but ou almost never SEE A COMPLETE CRYSTAL!!! although small, indeed, this is superb in form and ighly educational. Excellent material from the less well-known Gachala Mine of Colombia. ex Seve Glazer colection