**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. ————— Description: Formed within the complex pegmatitic systems of the Erongo Mountains in Namibia, this aquamarine crystal stands as a quiet geological paradox: restrained in translucency, yet rich in character, rarity and mineralogical meaning. Rather than presenting the familiar ice blue clarity typically associated with aquamarine, this specimen reveals a far rarer and more expressive chromatic identity defined by its natural green capped termination. The crystal rises as a strong prismatic column, its vertical faces marked by pronounced growth striations that record successive stages of crystallisation. The body is dense and opaque to translucent, conveying a sense of solidity and geological maturity rather than fragility. This density is not the result of damage or alteration, but of concentrated growth conditions that favoured structure and zonation over optical transparency. At the termination, the crystal transitions into a distinct green cap, a feature that immediately sets this specimen apart from conventional Erongo aquamarines. This green zone reflects a late stage chemical variation during crystal growth, likely linked to changes in iron oxidation states within the mineralising fluids. Such green capped aquamarines are notably scarce and are highly sought after by collectors for their clear documentation of evolving geological environments within a single crystal. Subtle colour boundaries between the near colourless lower body and the olive to moss green termination remain sharply legible, creating a natural stratification that reads almost like a geological cross section frozen in time. Under directional lighting, the crystal reveals internal textures, faint inclusions and growth layers that give depth and complexity to its otherwise restrained appearance. At the base, secondary crystal material is naturally attached, indicating a multi phase growth history rather than an isolated single event. This structural relationship enhances the specimen’s sculptural presence and reinforces its authenticity as an undisturbed natural formation. Completely natural, unpolished and untreated, this aquamarine does not seek to impress through brilliance or transparency. Instead, it commands attention through rarity, structure and geological narrative. It is a specimen that rewards understanding over immediacy, offering depth to those who recognise that true value in mineral collecting often lies beyond conventional beauty. Specifications: • Weight: 1.11 g • Weight in carats: 5.55 ct • Dimensions: 19 × 9 × 9 mm • Origin: Erongo Mountains, Namibia • Mineral: Aquamarine • Crystal system: Hexagonal • Crystal habit: Prismatic crystal with secondary basal growth • Colour: Near colourless body with natural green capped termination • Colour zoning: Strong vertical zonation with late stage green enrichment • Transparency: Opaque to translucent • Lustre: Vitreous to sub vitreous • Internal features: Natural growth textures, inclusions and density variations • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Rare green capped aquamarine from Erongo • Distinct colour zonation reflecting multi phase growth • Dense, opaque structure valued for mineralogical significance • Strong prismatic habit with clear vertical striations • Natural secondary growth at the base • Clear documentation of chemical variation during crystallisation • Untreated and unaltered specimen • Geological character over commercial aesthetics • Increasingly scarce morphology within Namibian aquamarines • Highly informative collector specimen Collector’s Interest: While translucent blue aquamarines dominate the commercial market, specimens such as this occupy a far more selective and informed collecting space. Green capped aquamarines from Erongo are appreciated not for their gem potential, but for their ability to record changes in chemistry, temperature and fluid composition during growth. Collectors focused on African pegmatites, beryl zonation or non conventional aquamarine expressions will recognise the importance of this specimen. Its subdued appearance conceals a depth of geological information that elevates it well above standard blue material, making it a meaningful and intellectually rewarding addition to a serious mineral collection. Lapidary Potential: This specimen holds no meaningful lapidary interest, and rightly so. Any attempt at cutting would erase the defining features that give it value: its green cap, growth zoning and structural integrity. Its highest expression remains as a natural crystal, preserved exactly as formed, where its rarity and geological story can be fully appreciated. ——————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals