A choice Aquamarine specimen in excellent undamaged condition having super glassy luster and some excellent zoning with gem clear sections. The main crystal is doubly terminated and a full 6.7 CM long. There are two other smaller gem crystals as well and the specimen is fringed with Muscovite. From the amazing pegmatites of the Shigar Valley (Pakistan) which is the source of most of the world's greatest Aquamarines. Before the discovery of this rugged area such specimens were incredibly rare and very costly. Due to the size and quality of the discoveries here, the prices of such choice pieces is now far more accessible for collectors. Of course, no source in the mineral world lasts forever and these will always be desirable. An excellent value.
Beryl v. Aquamarine with Albite and Muscovite
stock #22.1-236-(YL)
Shigar, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
7.3 x 6.3 x 5.2 CM (cabinet)
price: $680
Post Tucson 2022
A perfect, undamaged Aquamarine crystal stands over the matrix and show classic Shigar etching on the termination. This comes with a custom acrylic base and displays well from any side but the front as seen in the first photo is certainly the best view. The Aqua crystal is gem clear, fully transparent in the body and the matrix can be seen though it. The termination shows etched edges that have a silky cat’s-eye like look. The milky blue color contrasts nicely with the silky white at the tip. Shigar has produced many Aquamarines over the years in a wide range of quality. This is a very nice piece, better in person with an unusually affordable price for quality.
Beryl var. Aquamarine
stock #19.1-361
Shigar, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
2.9 x 2.4 x 2 CM (thumbnail)
price: $110
A clean thumbnail of gem clear Aquamarine on an Albite matrix. The Beryl is flattened along one axis and has the classic flat termination. In perfect condition, super transparent, the crystal faces are mostly flat with minimal striation. Overall a choice small gem from the great Shigar pegmatite zone.
Topaz on Clevelandite and Muscovite
stock #15.1-908
Shigar, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
7.2 x 4.9 x 4.9 CM (cabinet)
price: $750
Spring update
Sharp and perfect Topaz (4.4 CM across) with an unusual but very esthetic morphology. Glassy luster and esthetically exposed, this is a very choice piece that is far better in person. The Topaz presents with an elongated termination facing outwards and the form and presentation is not a typical one. Damage free and for a non-colorful specimen this is really different and eye-catching in a display.
Topaz on Clevelandite
stock #12.1-051
Shigar, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit, Northern Areas,
Pakistan
6.5 x 4.2 x 4.5 CM (cabinet)
price: $850
new june 17
A very clear gem Topaz with a slight sherry color perched on a Clevelandite matrix. The Topaz crystal has a number of internal bubbles and negative crystals, it is in excellent condition. Nice esthetics and form, this is all natural color, there has been no irradiation for enhancement. The high clarity lets you see the matrix clearly through the Topaz.
From the late 1990s vintage finds, a very distinctive, doubly terminated gem crystal perched on a crystal section of Microcline. The 3 CM long Herderite is in perfect condition and shows textbook form. Excellent esthetics and a slight color change from blueish to greenish in different light sources. A far better than average piece, and there has been nothing new on the market for several years.
Apatite- CaF exceptional royal purple
stock #AX-14B-099
Shigar, Skardu District, Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan,
Pakistan
4.4 x 3.4 CM (miniature)
price: $4250
Spring 2014
From an amazing small find in late 2012, this apatite has the intense purple color usually only seen in the finest Pulsifer crystals. Aside from the intense color that can not be well captured in photos, the faces are glass like with gemmy areas. In fine condition especially for such a large prism. The intense color is confined to an outer zone, so looking down the termination it is possible to see inside to the crystals grey-green interior. Far far better in person!
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