400 Grams Emerald Specimen on Matrixn - Swat Valley, Pakistan
This specimen has natural emerald crystal clusters growing directly on well-defined faces sit on a pale beige calcite matrix with dark biotite patches and schist host matrix. The back of the specimen has the full matrix — predominantly dark schist with scattered small green crystal points and a white calcite vein running through the base. A slightly lower angle has the depth of the crystal clusters and the contrast between the green crystals and the surrounding host rock. Close-up of the schist surface has smaller emerald crystal pockets embedded in the granular dark matrix, with visible quartz grains and minor calcite. This is mined in the Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The crystals are in as-mined condition — no resin filling, no surface treatments, and no reshaping. The hexagonal crystal habit is visible on the primary cluster. Specimen Details Stone: Emerald (Beryl — Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) - Base Rock is Soap Stone, Calcite Origin: Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Weight: 400 Grams Dimensions: 100mm × 65mm × 40mm Color: Vivid green crystals on grey-white calcite and dark schist matrix Treatments: None — 100% natural, as-mined Condition: Good (G) — no breaks or damage to crystal clusters Collector Notes Swat Valley emeralds are colored by trace chromium and vanadium within the beryl structure. This locality is recognized among mineral collectors for producing specimens with vivid color saturation. This piece is sold as a display mineral specimen, not as a cut or faceted gemstone. The matrix provides geological context and display stability. No stand is included. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between a Swat Valley emerald and a Colombian emerald? Both are chromium-colored beryls, but Swat emeralds typically form in a calcite-schist matrix and tend toward a slightly more vivid, saturated green. Colombian emeralds form in hydrothermal veins in black shale and are generally more transparent, making them more common in faceted gem trade. Q: Can the emerald crystals in this specimen be extracted and faceted? The crystals in this specimen are small, clustered, and matrix-attached — they are not suitable for faceting. This piece is intended as a mineral display specimen, not as a source of cuttable rough. Q: How should I store or display a raw emerald matrix specimen? Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight, which can gradually fade color in some beryls. Display on a flat, stable surface — this specimen is self-supporting — and dust with a soft dry brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.