Product Specifications

• Natural Emerald crystal specimen from the Green Beryl and Beryl mineral family
• Genuine precious gemstone classified as a rare mineral crystal for collectors
• Total specimen weight of 35 grams (over 20 carats)
• Complete specimen dimensions measure 53 x 23 x 30 mm
• Emerald crystal dimensions measure 35 x 22 x 20 mm
• Natural hexagonal crystal system showcasing classic emerald morphology
• Beautiful green and light green color with natural color zoning
• Transparent clarity allowing light to pass through the crystal
• Sourced from Chitral, Pakistan, one of the world's premier emerald localities
• 100% natural and earthly mined with minor traditional oil treatment
• May birthstone, perfect for collectors and gemstone enthusiasts
• Fine mineral specimen suitable for serious crystal collectors
• Mineral class includes Silicates (Cyclosilicates for Emerald) and Carbonates (for Calcite matrix)
• Rock composition consists of schist and quartzite from metamorphic formation
• Specimen condition rated as very good (VG) with excellent preservation
• Rare, authentic single specimen with museum-quality presentation

Geological and Technical Analysis

This exceptional specimen showcases a pristine natural Emerald (Beryl variety, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) crystal prominently displayed on a Calcite (CaCO₃) matrix from the world-renowned Chitral mining district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The specimen represents a classic example of emerald-calcite association typical of the region's hydrothermal pegmatite deposits.

Mineralogical Characteristics:

• Primary Mineral: Emerald (Chromium and Vanadium-bearing Beryl)
• Matrix Mineral: Calcite with minor mica (biotite/muscovite) inclusions
• Crystal System: Hexagonal (Emerald), Trigonal (Calcite)
• Total Specimen Weight: 35 grams
• Overall Specimen Dimensions: 53 x 23 x 30 mm
• Emerald Crystal Dimensions: 35 x 22 x 20 mm
• Emerald Color: Vibrant green to blue-green with excellent color zoning
• Calcite Color: White to cream with translucent areas
• Emerald Clarity: Transparent to translucent with natural growth features
• Crystal Habit: Well-formed hexagonal prism with visible termination
• Luster: Vitreous (Emerald), Pearly to vitreous (Calcite)
• Formation Environment: Hydrothermal pegmatite with carbonate association
• Locality: Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

Specimen Quality Features:

• Large, well-formed hexagonal emerald crystal with excellent termination
• Exceptional color saturation displaying classic Chitral emerald characteristics
• Beautiful color zoning from light green to intense blue-green
• Prominent vertical striations (growth lines) on crystal faces
• Pristine calcite matrix providing stable support and aesthetic contrast
• Natural crystal faces showing vitreous luster
• Visible contact zone between emerald and calcite matrix
• Dark biotite/mica inclusions in matrix confirming pegmatitic origin
• Museum-quality presentation with excellent display orientation
• No evidence of repair, treatment, or enhancement
• Complete specimen with natural integrity preserved

Geological Significance:

This specimen exemplifies the unique emerald-calcite paragenesis characteristic of Chitral's metamorphic-hosted emerald deposits. The emeralds formed during regional metamorphism when beryllium-rich pegmatitic fluids interacted with chromium-bearing host rocks under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions. The subsequent calcite crystallization occurred during later hydrothermal activity, creating the distinctive white matrix that enhances the emerald's vivid green color.

The presence of biotite inclusions and the emerald-calcite association are diagnostic features of authentic Chitral specimens. The well-preserved crystal morphology, including visible prism faces and termination, provides valuable insights into crystal growth mechanisms in pegmatitic environments. The color zoning within the crystal records fluctuations in chromium and vanadium availability during formation.

This specimen represents an outstanding example of Pakistani emerald mineralization and is highly desirable for serious mineral collectors, educational institutions, museum displays, or gemological research.

Frequently Asked Questions for Collectors

Q: Why is the emerald-on-calcite combination particularly valuable to collectors?
A: The emerald-calcite association is a hallmark of Chitral emerald deposits and represents a specific geological paragenesis that collectors highly prize. The white to cream calcite matrix provides stunning visual contrast that dramatically enhances the emerald's vibrant green color, creating exceptional aesthetic appeal. Scientifically, this mineral combination documents the multi-stage hydrothermal history of the deposit—emerald formation during peak metamorphism followed by later calcite crystallization. Specimens preserving this natural association are increasingly rare as mining progresses, making them valuable both scientifically and aesthetically. The calcite also provides stable support for the emerald crystal, reducing the risk of damage compared to specimens with friable schist matrix.

Q: How should I care for and display this emerald-on-calcite specimen?
A: This specimen requires careful handling due to the different hardness of its minerals—emerald (7.5-8 Mohs) is much harder than calcite (3 Mohs). Store in a stable, dry environment away from acids, vinegar, or acidic cleaners, as calcite is highly reactive to acids and will dissolve or etch. Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity, which can affect the calcite matrix. Display in a cushioned case with stable support under the base. Clean only with a soft, dry brush—never use water on calcite specimens, as it can cause surface deterioration or mineral staining. Handle by the calcite base rather than the emerald crystal to prevent stress on the crystal-matrix contact. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent potential color fading over extended periods.

Q: What makes this specimen suitable for museum or educational collections?
A: This specimen offers exceptional educational and scientific value on multiple levels. It perfectly demonstrates hexagonal crystal symmetry, mineral paragenesis (sequential mineral formation), and the relationship between crystal chemistry and color. The visible growth striations on the emerald crystal faces illustrate crystal growth mechanisms, while the color zoning documents changing chemical conditions during formation. The emerald-calcite association teaches about hydrothermal processes and multi-stage mineralization events. For gemology students, it shows emerald in its natural state before cutting, including characteristic inclusions and growth features. The specimen's size, aesthetic quality, and excellent preservation make it ideal for display cases, while its geological significance supports research into pegmatite formation, trace element incorporation in beryl, and regional metamorphic processes. The documented Chitral provenance adds historical and geographical context valuable for systematic mineral collections.