Microcline with Quartz, Albite

specimen number:
2312558

location:
Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

description:
Colorless sharp lustrous blocky crystals of microcline measuring to 5.5 cm in size with crystallized quartz and albite. This is in excellent condition.

Shigar Valley, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a world-renowned gem-producing area nestled in the high-altitude Karakoram mountain range. Geologically, the valley is dominated by complex granitic pegmatites emplaced during the major tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, creating volatile- and rare-element-rich hydrothermal environments. Historically, artisanal mining and local extraction have thrived for generations, with villagers and independent miners working high-altitude pegmatite pockets during the brief summer months. The region has gained global fame among mineral collectors for producing magnificent specimens of aquamarine, tourmaline, topaz, fluorite, and spectacular crystallized quartz variants.

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