Certified 152.60ct Natural Aquamarine Crystal – Large Hexagonal Blue Beryl from Pakistan

GLverify.com Certificate No: 901187565605

Certified Value: US $145.00

This Specimen is a 152.60-carat natural aquamarine (blue beryl) crystal from the pegmatite fields of northern Pakistan. It displays a robust, thick prismatic form with well-defined hexagonal geometry, pale blue coloration, and characteristic parallel growth striations. The termination face is broad and naturally frosted, while the sides show classic layered beryl structure. Minor natural inclusions and matrix residues confirm its authenticity as a pocket-recovered aquamarine. This is a substantial and aesthetic cabinet-grade crystal, ideal for collectors, display, educational use, or metaphysical applications.

1. Identified Minerals
✔ Aquamarine (Blue Beryl) — Primary Mineral
This Specimen is overwhelmingly composed of aquamarine.

Diagnostic visual features include:
Pale, icy blue coloration
Obvious hexagonal crystal geometry
Strong vertical striations on prism faces
Large, broad termination face (natural, frosted texture)
Subsurface clouding and faint inclusions
Clean edges showing beryl’s typical conchoidal-to-irregular fracture

The crystal is massive, blocky, and highly characteristic of aquamarine from Pakistan’s high-altitude pegmatites.

✔ Minor Quartz or Feldspar Residue (Secondary Mineral)
Small amounts of beige or white material may be present along some edges.

Likely identification:
Quartz or albite feldspar
Pegmatite matrix fragments adhering to natural contact zones
This does not detract from value and reinforces authenticity.

✔ No Mica Present
Unlike some Pakistani aquamarine clusters, This Specimen appears free of mica inclusions, giving it a clean, uniform look.

2. Structural Description
Crystal Habit
Large, thick prismatic aquamarine crystal
Prominent hexagonal termination surface
Prism faces display step-growth and gentle layering
One end fully terminated; the opposite end is a natural extraction face

Surface Texture
Termination is matte, frosted, and naturally etched—typical for pocket-contact surfaces
Sides are smoother with visible striations that reflect light cleanly
Faces are broad and well-preserved with minimal damage

Color & Clarity
Soft pale-blue coloration consistent throughout
Translucent overall, with occasional cloudy zones
No significant fractures disrupting structural integrity

Overall Aesthetic Qualities
Impressive size and weight (152.60 carats)
Attractive geometry
Good hand-specimen presence for display
A strong, visually appealing aquamarine crystal ideal for collectors
This is a cabinet-grade display crystal, not a fragment or matrix piece.

3. Geological Context
Likely Origin:
Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

This region is one of the world’s premier aquamarine sources and is famous for:
Highly structured beryl crystals
Pegmatite-hosted gem minerals
Alpine-style geological formations

Formation Process
Aquamarine forms inside granitic pegmatites, where:
Beryllium-rich fluids cool slowly and create large beryl crystals.
Hydrothermal fluids contribute to the pale blue coloration (from Fe²⁺).
Repeated pockets open and seal, causing step-growth striations.
Natural etching produces the frosted termination texture.
This Specimen reflects all these characteristics clearly.

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