Beryl Var Aquamarine

Attractive aquamarine (beryl) crystal on matrix from the Naßfeld Valley, St. Johann im Pongau District, Salzburg, Austria. The specimen features a well-defined, elongated blue aquamarine crystal embedded in a coarse-grained granitic matrix, showing the characteristic prismatic habit and vitreous luster typical of alpine pegmatitic beryl from this region.

Aquamarine is the blue variety of beryl, a beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate, with its colour caused by trace amounts of iron. In the Eastern Alps, aquamarine forms primarily in granitic pegmatites and alpine fissures, crystallizing from late-stage, volatile-rich fluids.

The Naßfeld Valley is a classic Austrian alpine locality, known among collectors for producing fine beryl specimens, including aquamarine, often in association with quartz-rich pegmatitic material. While not producing large gem crystals, the locality is appreciated for well-formed, aesthetically balanced matrix specimens.

Aquamarine from this area is considered uncommon, especially as well-exposed crystals on matrix. The mineral is stable under normal collection conditions.

Typical associated minerals in the Naßfeld Valley include quartz, feldspar, muscovite, schorl, and other pegmatite-related silicates, reflecting the granitic host environment.