Aquamarine (Beryl) with Muscovite on Feldspar - Specimen

Locality: Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

The Shigar Valley, north of Skardu, is the gateway for most expeditions to K2, the world's second-highest peak, and one of the most important gem valleys of Baltistan. Its gemstones grow in pockets and cavities in zoned pegmatite dikes that cut the metamorphic rocks of the Karakoram, alongside topaz, green fluorite, black tourmaline, garnet, morganite and goshenite.

Geochemical studies suggest the Shigar pegmatites formed from the melting of metamorphosed sediments, with their emplacement linked to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Aquamarine mining in the valley has a long record: a 1918 Geological Survey of India report described the aquamarine mines of Dassu on the Braldu River.

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl, the mineral that also includes emerald and morganite. Beryl is a beryllium aluminium silicate, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8, and it most often forms in granites and granite pegmatites alongside quartz, feldspar and mica.

This one of a kind Aquamarine specimen from Pakistan features several pale blue to blue-green Aquamarine crystals growing from a white Feldspar-rich matrix. The main Aquamarine crystal shows a blocky prismatic form with flat terminations, natural surface etching, internal veils, and fine lengthwise striations. Smaller blue Beryl crystals are visible across the specimen, partly tucked between the white Feldspar crystals. Silvery-grey Muscovite appears in small bladed clusters and rosettes, adding a metallic contrast against the pale matrix.

Aquamarine is the blue variety of Beryl, the same mineral family as Emerald and Morganite. Pakistan is well known for Aquamarine specimens from high mountain pegmatite deposits, especially in the Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan region. These pegmatites commonly produce Aquamarine with Feldspar, Albite, Quartz, and Muscovite, making this a classic association for Pakistani Beryl specimens.

Spiritually, Aquamarine is often associated with calm communication, clear thinking, emotional balance, and steady confidence. It is commonly connected with the throat chakra and is used by many people as a stone for honesty, peace, and self-expression. Muscovite is often linked with reflection and awareness, while Feldspar is associated with support and stability.

Chemical Composition: Be3Al2Si6O18

Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.