This is one of the nicest matrix specimens of GEM aqua I have seen from Connecticut. This "train wreck" beryl is encased in quartz. The caboose is surrounded by feldspoar and is non-gem, common beryl. The "engine" is encased in quartz, gem, and a wonderful blue. The beryl is 7.8 cm long and 1 x 1 cm in width and depth. The gem section is almost exactly an inch long, 2.5 cm. It is terminated! There are a couple of small ding near the end, but this piece is basically flawless. It is possible the last section has been glued back in, but if so, it is a PERFECT fit...I cannot feel any gap or ridge when I run my finger along the sides.<BR><BR>
My collecting partner Joel Sweet found this beryl in a small pegmatite prospect we found years ago and nick-named Songo pond because the color of the aquas reminded us of the blue beryls coming from that Maine locality at the time. Most of the Maine beryls were much less gem than this piece, however, and few came out in matrix.