Aquamarine, Schorl ex. Soltau Coll

Item Description

This is easily one of the most unique combo specimens from the Erongo mountains. It starts with a velvet matrix composed of acicular, lustrous, black schorl, in hair-like crystals up to 1 cm in length. Aesthetically perched upon the schorl are clusters of unusual beryl crystals, highlighted by one measuring 3.5 cm in length. The beryl crystals are lustrous and translucent and have a VERY UNUSUAL pastel, yellow-green color, except for their terminations. The tips on all the larger crystals actually change starkly to a thin layer of aquamarine. Fascinating combination piece, with incredible color contrast - seldom do you find beryls on nice black matrix like this from any locale! This is from a lot buy from the Heini Soltau collections, and was valued at about 1800 euro by me at Munich, when I too ka small lot on consignment.