Aquamarine (doubly-terminated GEM crystal) on Albite

Item Description

It’s amazing to think that prior to Pakistan, it was nearly impossible to find a gem quality Aquamarine crystal on matrix from any locality. Places like Brazil and Russia were the some of the best known sources for Aquamarines, but they were almost never found on matrix. For me, this is a one-of-a-kind Aqua and without question, a unique specimen. A 5.6 cm long, unusually tapered crystal of crystal-blue color, GEM quality Aquamarine stands proudly on a somewhat feathery mound of white, bladed Albite (var: Cleavelandite). The Aqua crystal is actually DOUBLY-TERMINATED as the bottom of the crystal is piercing through the Albite at the base of the piece, and it is clearly crystallized with a small pyramidal termination! The Aqua has wonderful presence that is complemented by its attractive modified hexagonal form with a gentle blending of sharp crystal faces, and subtle etching patterns along the prism. Due to the WATER-CLEAR transparency of the crystal, it was somewhat difficult to photograph, but you can literally look through the pinacoid and see all the way straight through to the matrix. The first and second order pyramidal modifications on the termination are a great touch to this already impressive and highly desirable cabinet sized display piece. I can see one small contact on corner the termination of the Aqua, but it is otherwise pristine. This one certainly stands out amongst so many other Pakistani Aquas out there, and due to the pleasing aesthetic balance of the piece, it would show beautifully in a display case. Priced in the inventory at $6,000.