Fluorite (pink)
stock #8.1-444
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley
Gilgit, Northern Areas,
Pakistan
5 x 4.8 x 3 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $500
Spring 2020
A slightly zoned and lightly etched pink Fluorite octahedron from early finds at Chumar Bakhoor. Some of the corners also show a stepped overgrowth with a smoother texture. In fine condition on the display sides, the back is contacted from the matrix and has a little adhering Mica, none of which is seen from the front. The crystal is translucent to transparent and will glow brightly when backlit. Pink Fluorites with this sort of etching are almost exclusively found in Alpine type clefts and this is no exception. In person the color is a more vivid than can be seen in the photos. Good pink Fluorites are prized and often very costly. This is a choice piece and a good value.
Apatite on Muscovite
stock #17.1-841
Chumar Bakhoor, Hunza Valley
Gilgit, Northern Areas,
Pakistan
5.5 x 4.5 x 4.1 CM (cabinet)
price: $680
A prism of pink Apatite (Fluorapatite or Apatite-CaF)is nestled in a Muscovite matrix. The crystal is 2.1 CM across and has distinctive modifications of the edges of the termination. From the earlier finds of Apatite at Chumar Bakhoor, this is in excellent condition. Esthetic contrast with the matrix, the Apatite looks fine from all angles.
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.
Elbaite (bent, doubly terminated crystal)
stock #15.1-971-(SM-723)
Gilgit, Gilgit district
Gilgit, Northern Areas,
Pakistan
7.5 x 3.3 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $485
Winter 2016-17
An odd but very attractive, zoned Tourmaline crystal that is clearly bent. Doubly terminated and with three color zones this in fine condition. A cluster of Cleavelandite blades is the only matrix. One termination is an uncommon slanted habit. This is an early Pakistan specimen from some of the earliest finds (1970s) that looks a bit like later Stak Nala material, but is from Gilgit area. A good value for a rare habit and nice esthetics.
A single modified octahedron (3 CM) of Fluorite set esthetically in a nest of Muscovite blades. The Fluorite has a slight frosting but is very clear internally and the color is especially unusual, being pinkish with an orange hue. At quick glance this can even look like a Scheelite. Overall in good condition, there are some rough areas from muscovite contacts as seen in the photos, they are not distracting. For any Fluorite or Pakistani suite, this is a very desirable addition.
A sizable matrix plate is the host for 5 main octahedra of pale pink Fluorite. A few smaller crystals are also included. The crystals reach 1.8 cm and are sharp, undamaged and distinct. From a brief period of productivity in Chumar Bakhoor, there has not been new finds for the past 2-3 years. Good pink Fluorite is uncommon and sought after. With few exceptions the best pinks have all come from Alpine clefts which by their nature are small and hard to find. This is such an Alpine piece, the color is not the most treasured deep pink, but it is still quite good and very well composed. Priced very well for the quality, rarity and size.