Certified Large 264.05ct Aquamarine Crystal Cluster with Mica – Natural Pakistan Pegmatite Specimen

GLverify.com Certificate No: 901152940654

Certified Value: US $230.00

This Specimen is a 264.05-carat aquamarine-rich crystal cluster from northern Pakistan, featuring multiple intergrown aquamarine (blue beryl) crystals along with abundant mica group minerals. The aquamarine displays a pale ice-blue hue, layered growth structure, partial natural terminations, and excellent translucency. Mica rosettes and sheets accent the beryl matrix, creating a visually striking, highly textural pegmatite specimen. This is a sizable and aesthetic example from the renowned Gilgit–Skardu pegmatite belt and is ideal for collectors, display, or mineralogical study.

1. Identified Minerals

✔ Aquamarine (Blue Beryl) — Primary Mineral
The vast majority of This Specimen consists of aquamarine in multiple interlocking crystal segments.
Diagnostic features visible in images:
Pale icy-blue coloration throughout
Translucent with internal clarity zones
Hexagonal crystal geometry
Step-like terminations and natural fracture patterns
Vitreous (glassy) to silky luster depending on face orientation

The layered, blocky growth is very typical of aquamarine from Pakistan’s pegmatites, where multiple crystals may fuse during formation.

✔ Mica Group Minerals (Muscovite–Phlogopite Series)
Large and small mica sheets and rosettes appear attached to several sides of the aquamarine.
Identifying visual traits:
Silvery to champagne-colored laminar crystals
Perfect basal cleavage forming thin reflective sheets
Pearly to metallic luster
Occurs as rosettes, stacks, and plate-like aggregates
These mica group minerals are extremely common host minerals for Pakistani aquamarine.

✔ Possible Feldspar or Quartz Matrix (Minor)

Some whitish or translucent areas at the base or edges of the specimen may represent:
Altered feldspar
Quartz remnants
Pegmatitic matrix fragments
Not dominant, but consistent with natural pegmatite pocket material.

2. Structural Description of This Specimen
aquamarine Structure
Large multi-segment crystal mass totaling over 260 carats
Multiple crystal faces visible across several tiers
Step-like or “stacked” habit shows repeated directional growth phases
Mild yellowish zones may indicate iron oxide staining (common in aquamarine cavities)
Natural terminations on several edges; other areas show natural breaks or contact points from the pegmatite wall
This is not a single uniform crystal—rather a complex intergrowth cluster, highly desirable for collectors.

Mica Arrangement
Mica clusters occur in “rosettes” and layered stacks
Attached mainly along one side where aquamarine contacted mica-rich pegmatite walls
Add contrast and aesthetic appeal to the blue beryl

Overall Aesthetic Properties
Impressive size and weight for a natural aquamarine cluster
Beautiful interplay of blue beryl with metallic mica accents
Attractive translucency causing diffused internal glow
Unique stepped architecture makes it visually distinct from simple prism crystals
This Specimen is a highly displayable cabinet piece.

3. Geological Context

Likely Origin:
Shigar Valley or Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

This region is famous worldwide for:
Aquamarine
Tourmaline
Topaz
Mica, feldspar, quartz-rich pegmatites

Formation Environment:
This Specimen formed in a high-temperature granitic pegmatite, where:
Early-stage minerals like mica and feldspar formed first as the magma cooled slowly.
Beryllium-rich fluids infiltrated fractures, enabling the growth of aquamarine (blue beryl).
Variations in fluid chemistry produced layered and stepped aquamarine crystallization.
Oxidation over millions of years created subtle iron staining in some internal zones.
This layered, multi-crystal structure is a classic pegmatitic aquamarine formation signature.

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