Hambergite (outstanding large twinned crystal) (ex Obodda Collection)

Item Description

When it comes to minerals of granitic pegmatites, most people think of minerals like Tourmaline, Topaz, Beryl, etc, but the less common associated species in these environments can be even more enticing, especially when they occur in large impressive crystals like this piece. This specimen is a magnificent, large, impressive, very sharp, lustrous, well-formed, white / colorless twinned crystal of Hambergite from the famous Stak Nala locality in Pakistan. Now what makes this piece so interesting to me is not just the outstanding size and quality, it's the fact that the species contains beryllium, and is very often found in nature associated with Beryl. The only problem is that Stak Nala is primarily a Tourmaline locality, and virtually NO CONFIRMED crystals of Beryl have been found there. These specimens are not only rare in nature, but the fact that they are found in the absence of Beryl at Stak Nala makes them all the more enticing. This specimen is quite possibly the largest twin that I've had to offer from the locality, and by far one of the finest examples from any locality in Pakistan or Afghanistan. The piece is so good that it made its way into the private collection (not inventory) of Herb Obodda, who was one of the foremost expert dealers in minerals from Pakistan and Afghanistan for several decades. Herb's collection number 1893 can be see on the back of the specimen. A superb piece for any collector of pegmatite species, borates or twinned crystals. Priced in the inventory at $3,500.