This specimen is a very rich plate of emeralds embedded in massive quartz matrix, with a thin coating of mica-schist on the exposed upper surface where the emeralds pop out of the quartz. This specimen is unusual in that most of the pieces now brought to market from this mine have either quartz or mica but not both on the same specimen, indicating perhaps this was at the boundary layer of the two types of deposition. Overall, it is VERY 3-dimensional and very colorful. The large crystal atop is naturally distorted, "bent," a rare phenomenon in beryls. It is nearly 4 cm long, and is not repaired. It has a lustrous termination, though with minor edge wear around the rim. IN PERSON THESE ARE A MORE VIBRANT GREEN, but come across darker in the photos than in real life. When backlit, of course, they practically glow. This is one of the richest specimens I have seen from these new finds, in terms of overall concentration and mass of emeralds on one plate. Admittedly, the specimen production from here is not very much in terms of quantity yet (and perhaps never will be), but of that production I have seen most of what was prepared in the last year as the mine finally made a specimen-preparation deal to get them out to our market - from that sample, this was fairly impressive for overall impact and concentration. Upper-left professional photo is by Joe Budd.

While there were perhaps (only!) several dozen specimens recovered that featured large crystals in matrix, from what I saw of the find, most were repaired at least once if not more - and few had such nice aesthetics as this one. The large central crystal on this expertly trimmed matrix is 6.5 cm tall! It is 1.3 cm wide and 8 mm in depth. This piece stood out to my eye because it has a very good size (for ANY emerald locale) and is tremendously aesthetic, yet miraculously has no repairs. It has a natural tectonic break: here, the crystal broke in geologic time, in situ; and the gap between was filled with later quartz deposition. By careful preparation, the specimen has been preserved on a solid matrix plate of quartz with mica schist on the rear side. Frankly, I am not as much shocked they got it out in one piece, but that the termination was able to be so well-excavated from the surrounding matrix as to be freestanding ( at some risk). The freestanding tip extends about an inch over the matrix rim, now. The crystal is transparent to translucent through its length, though mostly at the top. For this find, the termination is quite good - sharp and even, without etching or damage. This specimen has fine lustre, and a characteristic deep forest-green color this mine is known for (quite darker than most Colombian material). It is not often you see a nearly 3-inch-tall emerald at an affordable price, with any quality to it, from any locale. When I bought the lot here, I felt that the company that brought these to market for the mine owner priced this down due to the (natural) tectonic break within the piece, by too much lower than other specimens. Comparably-sized crystals, some with glued repairs even, sold for in excess of twice this price. So, to me, this was clearly the bargain of the lot in large-sized crystals and i think stands as a real value, and a good specimen both. Upper-left professional photo is by Joe Budd. THIS SPECIMEN IS FEATURED ON THE ARTICLE ON THIS FIND, IN MINERALOGICAL RECORD JAN-FEB 2010, PAGE 66

This specimen features a 4.6 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm emerald of deep evergreen color, on quartz. As with most emeralds from this mine, the surface is a little rough and pitted compared to Colombian emeralds, but then there is admittedly a tradeoff for sheer color and impact vs price; and this difference in surface texture is part of the explanation for more reasonable pricing on Kagem emerald crystals for their size. To get a similarly-sized Colombian emerald, without repair, and with such intense color, would set you back 10 times this price in any case, so I felt that the Kagem pieces are a pretty good value in comparison to other worldwide emerald specimens. This piece I chose for its very fine exposure, showing the whole crystal and a freestanding termination. The termination is slightly asymmetric, but is complete. The color is very dark, but still teh piece is quite translucent and even transparent in zones. In person, it is much more impactful if backlit slightly. Upper-row professional photo is by Joe Budd.

A beautiful 1.4-cm red beryl, well-exposed on matrix, from this unique locality which is the ONLY source of large red beryl crystals on the planet, so far as we know to date. The locale is defunct, and more are not being mined at this time. Because of the rarity, and the beauty, and the uniqueness geologically, I consider red beryls one of the most collectible of mineral species.

Pakistan has provided collectors with some outstanding matrix Aquamarine specimens over the years, and this piece is certainly one of the finest quality matrix specimens that I have offered for sale. It features a wondrous GEM quality crystal of Aquamarine with an alluring baby blue color and remarkably sharp, lustrous faces. The crystal is aesthetically flaring off partially etched, off-white color, blocky Microcline crystal matrix. The Aqua measures 6.5 x 1.7 cm. Acutally, there's a little broken "stem" on the bottom of the Aqua crystal, so you can technically say that's part of the crystal, then the size would actually be 7.6 x 1.7 cm. This is such a dramatic specimen with undeniable appeal and sheer external beauty, it has all the qualities of a top-shelf matrix Pakistani Aquamarine specimen. The specimen comes with a custom lucite base which displays the piece beautifully. By the way, it is illustrated in a little book called "Stones of the Bible". ex Brian Kosnar Collection

A Superb, 1.2 cm-tall Emerald sitting perfectly on dark matrix with minor calcite. This incredible Emerald is GEM-clear, lustrous, and has the absolute best deep emerald color that you could ask for. It is a depth and color saturation you rarely see on an emerald. Although small , perhaps to some, it has a huge impact visually and is overall a full thumbnail, balanced and with a "center" to it that draws the eye. The compex termination is also quite stunning. A killer, even better in real life - it just GLOWS, for lack of a better word to describe it. It is one of the finest thumbnail emeralds I have seen. Not the biggest, but just a stunning "jewel"