Mineral: Pollucite with Tourmaline (Group), Quartz and Orthoclase
Locality: Chhappu, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), Pakistan
Dimensions: 15.5 x 16.5 x 13.5 cm / main crystal: 11.8 cm.

Description: Mass: 1900 g MIM number: 2231 Perfectly formed translucent white crystal on an orthoclase matrix. Its surface is perfectly smooth and the edges very sharp, which is rare for this species whose crystals are often corroded. The crystal is pierced with many translucent and intact green tourmalines, the largest of which measures 5.2 cm. Finally, a 14 cm crystal of white-gray quartz (also containing green tourmaline inclusions) formed at the base, giving the whole the astonishing appearance of a snail. Photographer: FMI / Federico Picciani Publication: "Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 98, No.6 Nov/Dec 2023"

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