Aquamarine, Scheelite and Muscovite, Sichuan, China
Aquamarine, Scheelite and Muscovite, Sichuan, China
Description
This piece shows a dense, radiating fan of pale silvery-tan muscovite mica, its fine blades stacked in overlapping, sheaf-like layers across the full breadth of the specimen, catching the light softly as it turns. Set within the mica are pale, icy aquamarine crystals, their cool, glassy surface offering quiet contrast against the warmer, flakier muscovite, and a single honey-orange scheelite crystal glows near the centre, breaking through the pale mica like a small flame. The piece has real scale and presence, a broad, disc-like form mounted on its stand that reads as much like a sculptural object as a mineral specimen.
This piece comes from the Pingwu Beryl Mine, on Mount Xuebaoding in Pingwu County, Sichuan, China; one of the most celebrated aquamarine localities discovered in the modern collecting era. First worked in the 1990s at extreme altitude and difficulty of access, Xuebaoding quickly became renowned among collectors worldwide for producing fine aquamarine in association with muscovite and scheelite exactly as seen here, a combination found almost nowhere else. Material of this scale, with this much mica development and a visible scheelite crystal, is genuinely scarce, and pieces like this represent some of the finest examples this locality has to offer.
Metaphysically, aquamarine is associated with calm clarity and courageous communication, traditionally regarded as a soothing stone that eases stress and supports clear expression. Scheelite is linked to creativity and transformation, often used to encourage new ideas and self-expression. Muscovite is associated with insight and gentle amplification of energy, valued for supporting reflection and mental clarity. Together, the combination is often read as a stone of calm, focused creative flow.
You will receive the exact specimen and stand photographed.
Details:
- Minerals: Aquamarine (Beryl), Scheelite and Muscovite
- Locality: Pingwu Beryl Mine, Huya Township, Mt Xuebaoding, Pingwu Co., Mianyang, Sichuan, China
- Size (on stand): 5.5 x 8 x 3 in | Weight: 1kg
- Size (off stand): 5.5 x 4.5 x 2 in | Weight: 806g
- Display: Mounted on a custom stand
- Condition: Natural, unpolished; features consistent with formation
Note
All crystals and ceramic works offered by Atelier Lithic are inherently unique. Variations in size, colour, surface texture, and form are natural and should be expected.
Crystals are natural materials formed in the earth and may include surface irregularities such as natural fissures, internal veils, growth marks, contact points from where the crystal was attached to the host rock, or areas where the specimen was mined or extracted. These features are part of the crystal’s natural formation and are not considered defects. Defects are disclosed within the item description.
For crystals:
- When a listing includes numbered options (for example, 001, 002, etc.), each number corresponds to a specific crystal shown in the photos. Selecting a number means you will receive that exact crystal.
- When a crystal is shown as a group or range and sold as a quantity of one without numbered options, the images represent examples of what is available. You will receive one crystal, selected from the group, with natural variation.
For ceramics:
- All ceramic pieces are one of a kind. Unless otherwise stated, you will receive the exact piece shown in the listing photos.
If you ever want confirmation before purchasing, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to clarify or provide additional images.