Aquamarine on Albite

The Shigar Valley in Pakistan is famous for its production of large and fine aquamarine crystals. Despite this, it is rare that Shigar Valley aquamarines are recovered on matrix, and even more rare that such recovered crystals are doubly terminated, having natural crystal terminations on both ends. The number of iconic or aesthetically arranged aquamarine crystals on matrix is vanishingly low.

Nicknamed "The Crystal Cloud," this important specimen does the near impossible, having two large gem-quality aquamarine crystals in an aesthetic and sought-after "bunny ears" arrangement in matrix that, when turned over, reveals that the aquamarines continue — ever so slightly shifted — through the matrix and pop out of the other side, being naturally terminated on the underside as well. The matrix is covered on both sides by an ethereal cloud of white albite that contrasts beautifully with the gemmy, blue aquamarines. This exquisite specimen is in pristine condition and unrepaired.