Aquamarine crystals with Muscovite from the Himalayas

A compact specimen with two aquamarine crystals from the Himalayas, one of which is a double-ended crystal, embedded in a matrix of platy muscovite mica. The light blue columns stand out clearly against the silvery mica background.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family. The light blue color comes from traces of divalent iron in the hexagonal crystal lattice. The fine striations on the prism faces are characteristic of well-crystallized beryl.

Double-ended crystals with terminations at both ends only form where the crystal can grow freely in the pegmatitic cavity without adhering to a wall. For aquamarine, this is a rare constellation, as the long columns usually sit firmly at one end.

The deposits in the Himalayas, especially in the pegmatite veins of Pakistan and Nepal, are considered a premium source for aquamarine. Recovery at several thousand meters altitude and cramped mining conditions explain the collector's value of fully preserved specimens.

A collector's item with clear pegmatitic genesis, didactically valuable and visually calm in its presentation.