Beryl var. Aquamarine

Unknown Owner

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Classic old Brazilian aquamarines were known to have a seafoam blue-green color, exemplified in this large, robust, colorful gem crystal. It is a 402 gram crystal that is complete all around, transparent to translucent throughout, and vibrant in color. Some of these are pale and lifeless but this has a deep, saturated color, and sparkles internally as well as on the surface. Such large pieces were known from the early to mid 1900s and at one time were quite classic for the region, although later replaced in the market by more standard "aqua blue" aquamarines when found. Survivors of this size, that were not cut and carved back in the day, are rare. This piece was part of the original group of beryls in the Pala Intl beryl and aquamarine collection, obtained in Brazil by Peter Bancroft in the 1960s-early 1970s. No repairs or restorations.