Certified 74.90ct Aquamarine Crystal with Mica Rosettes – Natural Pakistan Pegmatite Mineral Specimen

GLverify.com Certificate No: 901104649848

Certified Value: US $650.00

This Specimen is a 74.90-carat mineral cluster from Pakistan featuring a well-formed aquamarine (blue beryl) crystal intergrown with layered mica group minerals (likely muscovite or phlogopite). The contrasting textures of the transparent aquamarine and the lustrous, bronze-tan mica blades make this a highly aesthetic and collectible pegmatite specimen. Its mineral associations, crystal habit, and formation style are characteristic of high-grade pegmatites from the Gilgit–Skardu corridor of northern Pakistan—one of the world’s premier aquamarine-producing regions.

1. Identified Minerals

✔ Aquamarine (Blue Beryl)
Visible Features:
Hexagonal prism shape
Strong clarity with internal veils typical of Pakistani aquamarine
Pale ice-blue coloration
High luster and sharp termination faces
Diagnostic Notes:
The geometry, transparency, and subtle blue tint identify it clearly as aquamarine.

✔ Mica Group Mineral: Muscovite or Phlogopite
The brown-tan, layered, sheetlike crystals are characteristic of muscovite or phlogopite, both commonly associated with aquamarine-bearing pegmatites.
Visible Features:
Perfect basal cleavage forming stacked “book-like” sheets
Muscovite is typically silvery-tan; phlogopite is more bronze-brown
Pearly to vitreous luster
Flexible, thin laminae
Likely Identification:
Based on the color (light bronze-brown), phlogopite is slightly more likely, but both occur in Pakistani pegmatites. Without lab analysis, the proper designation is:
➡ Muscovite–Phlogopite Mica Group

✔ Minor Quartz (Possible)
Some of the whitish to clear crystalline mass at the base may represent quartz, which is extremely common in aquamarine pockets. This cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty from images alone, but the structure is consistent with quartz matrix.

2. Structural Description of This Specimen
Aquamarine Crystal Habit
Length: short stubby prism
Termination: flat, well-developed faces
Clarity: high clarity with internal silk-like growth textures
Striations: slight vertical striations typical of beryl
Mica Association
Mica blades form a radiating, fan-like arrangement around the aquamarine.
Strong contrast between blue aquamarine and tan metallic mica.
Mica appears partially enclosing or supporting the aquamarine crystal—a natural pegmatitic formation.
Overall Structural Aesthetics
Excellent contrast of colors and textures.
Balanced composition—aquamarine emerging from a mica nest.
No major damage visible—surfaces appear natural and well-preserved.

3. Geological Context
Origin:
Northern Pakistan (likely Gilgit-Baltistan or Skardu region)
This region contains high-grade granitic pegmatites, where aquamarine commonly forms in cavities enriched with volatile components.
Formation Process:
Aquamarine (beryl) crystallizes in pegmatites when beryllium-rich fluids cool slowly.
Mica forms early in the pegmatite evolution, where aluminum-rich layers cool into sheet silicates.
Subsequent hydrothermal activity allows aquamarine to grow between mica blades.
Why This Association is Common:
Pegmatites in Pakistan undergo repeated phases of fluid evolution, which is why:
Aquamarine grows with muscovite/phlogopite
Quartz often becomes the support matrix
Specimens feature high clarity and aesthetic associations
This exact style of crystal grouping is highly collectible, especially when aquamarine is sharply terminated.

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