DESCRIPTION: Few natural processes sculpt a crystal as elegantly as post growth etching, and this aquamarine is a remarkable example of that phenomenon. Rather than displaying smooth prism faces alone, its surface preserves an intricate network of natural etched depressions and dissolution textures, giving the crystal an exceptional mineralogical character rarely encountered in such a transparent specimen. Despite these naturally sculpted surfaces, the crystal remains exceptionally transparent and remarkably clean. Light travels freely through the entire body, revealing outstanding internal clarity and allowing the delicate icy blue colour to develop with remarkable purity. The result is a crystal that appears almost luminous, combining flawless transparency with refined natural texture. The colour is a soft yet vivid glacial blue, characteristic of fine Brazilian aquamarine. Rather than presenting strong saturation, the crystal expresses a cool, crystalline blue that becomes brighter under direct illumination, producing a fresh and highly elegant visual appearance. The absence of distracting colour zoning reinforces its remarkable purity. Its elongated prismatic habit is beautifully preserved, forming a slender and highly balanced crystal with parallel longitudinal striations extending continuously along the prism. These natural growth features contrast beautifully with the etched surfaces, allowing both the original crystallographic growth and the later natural dissolution processes to be appreciated simultaneously. The termination is naturally preserved, with gently rounded prism edges resulting from the same geological processes responsible for the etched texture. Rather than diminishing the crystal, these features document its complete geological history, transforming it into a specimen of significant mineralogical interest. Etched aquamarines are considerably less common than standard well preserved prismatic crystals. Their formation requires highly specific post crystallisation conditions, where mineral rich hydrothermal fluids selectively dissolve portions of the crystal while preserving its overall structural integrity. This delicate balance makes well preserved etched specimens particularly desirable among collectors of fine beryl. Originating from Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, this specimen represents an elegant combination of exceptional transparency, flawless crystal quality and rare natural etching, making it equally attractive from both a gemological and mineralogical perspective. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.57 g • Weight in carats: 2.85 ct • Dimensions: 18 × 4.5 × 4.5 mm • Origin: Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Beryl • Variety: Aquamarine • Crystal habit: Elongated hexagonal prismatic crystal • Structure: Single naturally terminated crystal • Colour: Light icy blue • Colour distribution: Even throughout the crystal • Transparency: Transparent • Clarity: Flawless appearance with excellent internal cleanliness • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Natural etched faces with longitudinal growth striations • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, untreated crystal NOTABLE POINTS: • Rare naturally etched aquamarine crystal Natural post growth dissolution features sculpt the prism faces, creating exceptional mineralogical character. • Outstanding transparency Excellent light transmission enhances the crystal’s remarkable internal purity. • Flawless visual appearance The crystal displays exceptional internal cleanliness with minimal visible inclusions. • Beautiful icy blue colour A refined glacial blue tone gives the specimen an elegant and highly desirable appearance. • Well preserved elongated prismatic habit Classic hexagonal beryl morphology remains clearly defined throughout the crystal. • Natural longitudinal growth striations Original crystallographic growth lines remain beautifully preserved beneath the etched surfaces. • Exceptional light performance Transparency and vitreous lustre create bright reflections and impressive optical depth. • Naturally preserved termination The crystal termination retains its original morphology while reflecting subtle natural dissolution. • Excellent structural integrity The specimen remains complete and well preserved despite its natural etched development. • Geological record of multiple growth stages Both primary crystallisation and later hydrothermal dissolution are preserved within the same specimen. • Untreated natural state fully preserved No enhancement or artificial treatment has been applied. • Prestigious Brazilian provenance Collected from the renowned Ouro Preto region of Minas Gerais, one of the world’s classic beryl localities. • Fine collector quality Combines rarity, transparency and mineralogical significance within a highly aesthetic crystal. • Strong display presence Its elegant proportions and remarkable clarity create an eye catching specimen from every viewing angle. • Rare combination of gemological and mineralogical appeal Equally desirable for collectors of fine gemstones and crystallographic mineral specimens. COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: Naturally etched aquamarines occupy a distinctive niche within beryl collecting because they preserve evidence of geological processes that are absent in ordinary prismatic crystals. Rather than reducing desirability, the etched surfaces document a rare stage of natural crystal evolution that many advanced collectors actively seek. This specimen is especially attractive due to the combination of exceptional transparency, flawless appearance and beautifully preserved prism geometry. The contrast between its crystal clear interior and naturally sculpted exterior gives it an individuality rarely encountered in aquamarine. Its classic Brazilian provenance further enhances its appeal, making it an excellent addition to collections focused on fine beryl, etched crystals and high quality mineral specimens. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: Although the crystal possesses exceptional transparency, its greatest value lies in the preservation of its rare natural etched morphology. Any cutting would permanently remove the dissolution features that make the specimen mineralogically distinctive. For this reason, it is considerably more valuable as a complete natural crystal than as cutting rough, preserving both its remarkable geological history and its outstanding collector appeal. ——————- 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