AQUAMARINE WITH MUSCOVITE

ABOUT THE SPECIMEN

'Multi-dimensional' is the term I feel best fits this specimen here. This cluster consists of numerous crystals of beryl var. aquamarine, all grown out in different directions. The 'base' of the specimen is made up of larger aqua crystals intergrown with a classic muscovite association. Roughly 90° to those crystals' orientations are accessory aquamarine crystals - all of these in perfect condition - that add a perfect level of depth and drama to this ensemble. An excellent representation of Nagar aquamarine, with the trademark mirror luster and icy-blue color, all presented in a unique and eye-catching fashion.

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MORE INFO

The Nagar Valley pegmatites intrude metamorphic rocks of the Karakoram Metamorphic Complex in a tectonically active zone formed during the Indo-Asian collision approximately 50 million years ago. These pegmatites crystallized from beryllium-rich hydrothermal fluids during late-stage magmatic processes, with recent studies indicating some deposits formed as recently as 4-10 Ma. Aquamarine occurs as hexagonal prismatic crystals reaching 15-20 cm, displaying sky blue to electric blue coloration with exceptional transparency and glassy luster. The crystals typically perch on matrix assemblages of silvery muscovite mica, white albite feldspar, and occasionally black schorl tourmaline. What distinguishes Nagar material from neighboring Shigar Valley specimens is the characteristic "electric blue" color in prime examples and the tendency toward well-formed matrix pieces rather than detached floaters. Mining occurs at extreme elevations between 3,300-4,800 meters, particularly around Chumar Bakhoor and adjacent valleys, with operations limited to brief summer windows. The combination of color saturation, crystal size, and aesthetic matrix associations has established Nagar Valley as one of Pakistan's premier aquamarine sources alongside Shigar, with approximately 50% of Sumayar village inhabitants involved in gem mining and trade.