Beryllonite with Pollucite - Boulachi prospect, Pakistan - 60 x 35 x 27 cm / main crystal: 36.0 cm.
Mineral: Beryllonite with Pollucite
Locality: Boulachi prospect, Roundu Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), Pakistan
Dimensions: 60 x 35 x 27 cm / main crystal: 36.0 cm.

Description: Mass: 35000 g MIM number:2197 Large, cream-gray beryllonite wheel developed on a matrix made of 7 large, well-formed white pollucite crystals (the largest measuring 18 cm). It is very unusual to find these two rare minerals in association, let alone in such a large and well-formed sample. The whole is reminiscent of a reclining lion whose body and legs are pollucite and the mane beryllonite, hence the nickname "The Lion of Kashmir" given to this piece. Photographer: FMI / James Elliot