Berilo Aguamarina
Berilo is a mineral with formula Be₃Al₂(Si₆O₁₈), in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Karakoram, Pakistán and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Well-terminated prismatic aquamarine crystal on a matrix of quartz and feldspar. A large feldspar crystal behind quartz enhances the aesthetics of the piece.
History of this specimen
I bought it as part of an old collection that wrongly attributed it to Norway. The form and characteristics point with greater certainty to Pakistan. A very aesthetic, well-formed piece.
About Berilo
Aquamarine typically forms long, striated hexagonal prisms, with colours ranging from ice blue to greenish blue. In small to medium specimens like this, the appeal depends less on gem transparency than on the balance between crystal, matrix, and the overall architecture of the piece.
About the locality
Pakistani aquamarines on matrix commonly occur in alpine-type cavities associated with feldspar, quartz and mica, exactly as here. The contrast between the cool blue prism and the white granitic matrix is one of the most recognisable visual signatures of Karakoram material. Although many pieces circulate without a specific mine attribution, this aesthetic became closely associated with northern Pakistan from the late 20th century.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0412
- Internal reference
- T0019
- Composition
- Be₃Al₂(Si₆O₁₈)
- Name
- Berilo
- Variety
- Aguamarina
- Group
- Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Matrix
- Cuarzo, Feldespato
- Associations
- mica
- District / Municipality
- Shigar Valley
- Province
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Region
- Karakoram
- Country
- Pakistán
- Size (cm)
- 6.4 x 4.3 x 4.5
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek «bēryllos», via Latin «beryllus», the ancient name for green-blue gemstones. “Aquamarine” comes from the Latin «aqua marina», “sea water”, for its colour.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Allanita ((Ce)) — Pakistán
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — China
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- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Namibia
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Myanmar
- Brookita — Pakistán
- Calcita (Manganocalcita) — Pakistán
- Cordierita — España