Aquamarine (bent crystal), Gilgit, Pakistan

The mineral world really is fascinating and specimens like this one emphasize that point. Here we have a naturally-bent beryl crystal from the pegmatites of Pakistan. The light bluish-green colour identifies this as the variety aquamarine and it has zones of varying clarity from top to bottom. The clarity near the termination is almost transparent and all the faces are sharp. Halfway up the crystal there is a change in growth direction creating a "bent" crystal, which are rare. Another unique specimen from author Mike Menzies who recently published THE memoir on pegmatites. Ex Mike Menzies #1206. From Baha, southwest of Buspar Peak, Braldu Valley, Gilgit, Pakistan. Dimensions: 1.5 x 2 x 3 cm tall mounted on an acrylic base