pale blue water clear aquamarine crystals with muscovite and albite from the Himalayas

A specimen with water-clear aquamarine crystals from Pakistan, embedded between flaky muscovite mica and albite roses. The light blue, almost water-like clarity of the beryl columns is a premium marker of Pakistani pegmatites.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family. The light blue color comes from traces of divalent iron in the hexagonal crystal lattice. Water-clear columns form when the iron concentration in the solution reservoir was consistently low and no phantoms or streaks developed.

Pakistani aquamarine deposits in Skardu and Shigar are considered worldwide references for clear, gemstone-quality material. The combination with muscovite + albite is the typical pegmatitic three-mineral constellation of the region.

Recovery takes place at altitudes above 4,000 meters under difficult conditions. The pegmatite cavities lie deep within the Karakoram rocks, often only accessible after several days of trekking.

A collector's item with classic pegmatitic genesis and gemmological clarity.