Certified 56.80ct Natural Aquamarine Crystal with Feldspar Matrix – Pakistan Pegmatite Mineral Specimen

GLverify.com Certificate No: 901178510564

Certified Value: US $65.00

This Specimen is a 56.80-carat natural aquamarine (blue beryl) crystal from northern Pakistan, displaying a solid prismatic structure with a frosted natural termination and partial pegmatite matrix still attached. It shows pale blue coloration, moderate translucency, and natural growth textures across its surface. Residual feldspar or quartz matrix adds authenticity, making this a genuine pegmatite pocket fragment ideal for collectors, display, or study.

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

Visible diagnostic features:
Pale icy-blue color
Thick blocky prismatic structure
Natural frosted termination at the top
Translucent interior with some cloudiness
Subtle parallel striations characteristic of beryl
Slight conchoidal break surfaces on some edges

This aquamarine is more robust and massive rather than transparent gem-grade, but excellent as a crystal specimen.

✔ Feldspar (Likely Microcline or Albite) — Secondary Mineral
Cream-colored material adhering to the aquamarine is consistent with feldspar.

Identifying traits:
Off-white to beige granular appearance
Pegmatite matrix texture
Non-glassy, matte surface
This is extremely common in Pakistani pegmatites and frequently forms the host rock around aquamarine pockets.

✔ Possible Quartz Residue (Minor)
Some white crystalline patches may include quartz.

Clues:
Small granular clusters
Light translucency
Common association with aquamarine and feldspar
Quartz–feldspar combinations form the backbone of the pegmatite that produced This Specimen.

2. Structural Description
Crystal Habit
Thick, blocky aquamarine crystal fragment
One end shows a naturally frosted termination surface
Opposing end shows a flat to uneven break where it detached from the pegmatite pocket
Good mass and form for display specimens

Surface Texture
Frosted matte faces rather than sharp, glassy termination
Some areas smoothed by natural etching or pocket fluids
Feldspar matrix embedded along the base and edges

Color & Clarity
Pale sky-blue
Semi-translucent with internal cloudiness (common in matrix-bearing aquamarine)

Overall Aesthetics
Strong natural appearance
Pretty blue tone visible even through weathered surfaces
Authentic pegmatite look with feldspar adherence

This type of specimen appeals to collectors who prefer natural, unpolished crystal fragments directly from the source.

3. Geological Context
Likely Origin:
Shigar Valley or Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
This area is among the world’s richest sources of gem beryl, known for:

Aquamarine
Topaz
Tourmaline
Muscovite
Feldspar-rich pegmatites

Formation Process
Aquamarine forms inside aluminum- and beryllium-rich granitic pegmatites, where:
Superheated fluids rich in Be infiltrate cracks.
Slow cooling allows large hexagonal beryl crystals to grow.
Feldspar and quartz crystallize earlier, forming the matrix.
Aquamarine becomes embedded as pockets open and seal repeatedly.
This Specimen displays exactly this geological history: beryl growing alongside feldspar and quartz.

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