Hematite on Adularia and Quartz
stock #16.1-102
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
7.1 x 4.2 x 3.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $1450
Late Summer 2021
Lustrous flat crystals of Hematite esthetically perched on a contrasting matrix. The Hematites have some bright mirror-like faces and some faces with a dusting of Chlorite. The Adularia is also well-crystalized in stacked arrangements with a few small Quartz crystals tucked in as well. In exceptional condition, the individual Hematite crystals reach over 2.8 CM and are in nicely aligned clusters and stacks. The Alpine minerals of Pakistan can be incredible as seen here, and rival some of the famous finds in the European Alps. More impressive in person, a classic Alpine cleft assemblage. This looks great from several angles.
A fine twinned Sphene crystal is perched like an arrow on the matrix. Small adhering crystals of Schorl, Adularia and Clinoclore add some extra sparkle. The Titanite is very sharp, lustrous and gemmy in areas. Very fine condition, magnification finds some small contacts but otherwise in great shape and damage free.
Epidote -doubly terminated
stock #AX-19-123
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
4 x 1.6 x .6 CM (miniature)
price: $80
Worldwide mix summer
A glassy yellow-green crystal cluster of classic form that is largely transparent from Alchuri. Doubly terminated and nearly a complete floater. There is a small edge rough spot where this was in contact with another crystal. The Pakistani Epidote can look a lot like other Alpine localities but have some distinctions too. This is a nice complete and very affordable example.
Zoisite (gem crystal from Pakistan)
stock #8.AE-870
Alchuri, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Baltistan
Northern Areas,
Pakistan
2.9 x 1 x .5 CM (miniature)
price: $240
pre Tucson 2015 update
A gem clear Zoisite crystal that is not at all like the usual from Tanzania. This is a nice small example with well defined striations and habit that is also distinct and shows dichroism. This came out over 10 years ago and since then we have not seen any. A minor chip is noted with magnification so this is not for the picky perfectionist, but it is a nice displayable gem crystal that is affordable. A rare example from an unusual locality.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)