Beryl with Quartz, Albite, Lepidolite

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A gemmy pink tabular crystal of beryl, this is the variety known as morganite, measuring to 2.1 cm across set up on a matrix of albite, lepidolite, with crystallized quartz. The specimen comes with an antique label that dates this to the very early 20th century. The beryl crystal is in good condition, slight damage present to some of the quartz crystals as seen. Mining in the Mesa Grande district of San Diego County, California developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and focused mainly on gem bearing pegmatite deposits. The granitic pegmatites of the district produced minerals such as tourmaline, beryl, lepidolite, and spodumene, with many workings operated to recover gem quality crystals. Small underground mines and surface cuts followed pegmatite bodies hosted in granitic rocks of the Peninsular Ranges. The district became especially famous for its colorful tourmaline specimens and remains one of the classic gem producing regions of southern California.