Beryl with Schorl

specimen number:
2072228

location:
Erongo Mts., Namibia

description:
An attractive loose grouping of gemmy blue crystals of beryl, this is the variety known as aquamarine. Black crystals of schorl are present as well. In good condition.

The Erongo Mountains, situated near Omaruru in central Namibia, represent a world-class mineral locality hosted within a Mesozoic-aged post-karoo igneous complex. Geologically, the area consists of a large circular granite ring complex where highly evolved, volatile-rich pegmatites and miarolitic cavities formed within the Erongo Granite and surrounding schists. These pockets are famous for producing exceptional aesthetic combinations of beryl variety aquamarine and schorl tourmaline. The aquamarine typically occurs as sharp, hexagonal prisms with colors ranging from pale blue to deep sea-blue, often found perched on or intergrown with lustrous, jet-black, striated schorl crystals. Historically, the region has been known for its minerals since the early 20th century, but a significant surge in artisanal and small-scale mining occurred in the late 1990s and continues through the present day. Unlike large industrial base-metal mines, the Erongo district is characterized by numerous small "garimpeiro" operations where local miners hand-extract specimens from the rugged granite cliffs and scree slopes, providing a consistent supply of these iconic mineral associations to the global market.

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