Specifications
Description
Locality: Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Description: This aquamarine comes from the Shigar Valley in Baltistan, in the high Karakoram of northern Pakistan. The valley lies about 32 km northeast of Skardu, and its gem-bearing pegmatite dikes are exposed at high altitude along the Shigar and Braldu rivers, much of it reachable only by jeep track. Gemmologists at GIA describe northern Pakistan as an increasingly important source of aquamarine, with the Shigar, Hunza and Braldu valleys among the main areas.
Geologists from the University of Peshawar mapped these pegmatites as part of the Karakoram Axial Batholith, intruded into the metamorphic rocks of the Karakoram Metamorphic Complex where the Karakoram plate meets the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc. The gems grow in pockets in the coarse-grained zones of the dikes. Black schorl tourmaline turns up almost everywhere in the valley, alongside topaz, green fluorite, garnet, morganite and quartz.
This specimen displays multiple aquamarine crystals embedded within a dense, textured feldspar matrix, with visible blades of silvery muscovite scattered throughout. The aquamarine shows a pale to medium blue color with moderate translucency, and several crystals exhibit partial terminations and natural etching. The contrast between the smooth, glassy beryl and the rough, granular feldspar creates a strong visual balance, while the mica adds reflective highlights across the piece.
The formation of this specimen reflects a classic pegmatite environment, where slow cooling of granitic magma allowed large crystals to develop in stages. Feldspar crystallized first, forming the structural host, followed by muscovite and finally aquamarine from late-stage, volatile-rich fluids enriched in beryllium. The presence of multiple aquamarine crystals suggests an open pocket environment where space allowed several crystals to grow simultaneously rather than a single dominant formation.
Metaphysically, aquamarine is associated with clarity of thought, calm communication, and emotional steadiness. It is often chosen by those looking to maintain composure and approach situations with a more balanced and level mindset.
Chemical Composition: Be3Al2Si6O18
Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.