Certified Sparkling Aquamarine Crystal on Muscovite Matrix – 133.85 ct Himalayan Gemstone Specimen from Pakistan

GLverify.com Certificate No: 901022059834

Certified Value: US $145.00

SUMMARY:
This Specimen, weighing 133.85 carats (26.77 grams), is a naturally occurring aquamarine-bearing mineral cluster sourced from the pegmatite-rich regions of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan—one of the world’s premier aquamarine localities. It features a combination of beryl (aquamarine) crystals embedded in a matrix dominated by muscovite mica, with minor inclusions of feldspar and quartz.

🔶 1. Detailed Specifications
Primary Mineral: Aquamarine (Blue Beryl)

Appearance in this specimen:
Multiple small, slender hexagonal aquamarine prisms embedded at the front and lower section.
Color: Very pale icy blue to nearly colorless, typical of low-iron aquamarine.
Transparency: Translucent (not gem-quality clarity).

The crystals display:
Hexagonal terminations (some broken)
Vertical striations on crystal faces
Natural etching from pegmatitic hydrothermal fluids
The aquamarine crystals appear naturally grown, not glued or altered.

Mineral Properties:
Formula: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Formation: Slow-cooling granitic pegmatites

These aquamarines are smaller than those found in classic Pakistani showpieces but still well-formed and collectible.

Secondary Mineral: Muscovite Mica
The dominant portion of the specimen is composed of silver-gray muscovite mica.

Characteristics seen in the photos:
Layered “book” formations
Shiny, reflective cleavage surfaces
Flexible sheets
Light beige to silver color
Moderate weathering and iron staining in some areas

Properties:
Hardness: 2–2.5
Luster: Pearly to vitreous
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction

Role: Matrix in which aquamarine crystals are embedded
This mica-rich matrix is typical of aquamarine-bearing pegmatites from Shigar Valley, Haramosh, and Skardu regions.

Accessory Minerals
Feldspar (Likely Microcline or Albite)
Pale tan or off-white blocky crystal fragments seen intermingled with muscovite
Contributes structural rigidity to the specimen

Transparent Quartz Microcrystals
Very fine, glassy crystals present among mica layers
Common companion to aquamarine in Pakistani pegmatites
These minerals are commonly found alongside aquamarine in Pakistani pegmatites.

3. Structural Description
Overall Form
Three-dimensional mica matrix wrapped around a central aquamarine cluster
Muscovite sheets form curved, leafy layers, giving the specimen a highly textured appearance
Main aquamarine crystal protrudes prominently from the top of the specimen
Additional aquamarine fragments appear partially embedded along the sides

Aesthetic Features
Excellent contrast:
Silvery muscovite × icy-blue aquamarine
Strong natural luster variation:
Vitreous on aquamarine faces
Pearlescent on mica sheets
Highly displayable from multiple angles

4. Geological Context
This Specimen originates from Himalayan pegmatites—deep-crust, fluid-rich igneous intrusions known for producing world-class beryl crystals. Key geological influences:
Pegmatite Formation Conditions
Slow cooling, allowing large crystal growth
High concentrations of volatiles (H₂O, fluorine, alkali metals) enabling formation of beryl, muscovite, and feldspar
Tectonic uplift in the Himalayan belt exposes mineral-bearing veins
Why Muscovite + Aquamarine is so common in Pakistan
Pegmatites in this region often develop muscovite booklets as outer shells, with aquamarine forming in internal pockets where beryllium-rich fluids accumulate.
This Specimen is a classic example of such geological processes.

Condition & Authenticity Assessment
100% natural aquamarine
Unheated and untreated
No dyeing, coating, or stabilization
Retains original growth surfaces and internal crystal features

Suitable for:
Mineral specimen collections
Display pieces
Educational or certification purposes