Spectacular Elbaite

Elbaite

Formula:Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
System:Trigonal
Colour:Green, red to pink, ...
Lustre:Vitreous, Resinous
Hardness:7½



Photo
Locality: Cruzeiro mine, São José da Safira, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Size: 4.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 cm.

Can you BELIEVE the intense cranberry color of this tourmaline crystal?! And the bottom of the crystal, which the camera had trouble with, is just as gorgeous, in a different way: it is a light, transparent version of the top, and just glows under decent light. This crystal is technically doubly-terminated: the crystal broke off in the pocket and the broken end healed naturally.

Copyright © Rob Lavinsky