Elbaite Tourmaline
Posted by: Maia Sinkins on 01.11.2021 | Filed under:

Elbaite Tourmaline

Specimen # 100057
Mineral: Elbaite Tourmaline
Location: Chia Mine, Sao Jose do Safira, Doce Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Size: 3.1 x 2.0 x 1.1 cm

Description

If you look at this crystal in normal display conditions, you see a razor-sharp, glassy tourmaline with brilliant lustre.  The first photo captures this. But if you only ever look at it this way, you’ll miss half the show. With good side/back-lighting as you examine it, this crystal glows with colour. It’s more blue than green – really an indicolite – it then has a cool internal black “hood” at the termination and extending below. This is why the crystal looks almost black if lit from the top – the hood is keeping the light from above from hitting the beautiful blue interior.  Please note – the second photo was taken using a backlighting technique.

The specimen is in excellent condition – no damage.

Lustrous crystal with a great termination!

 

Additional information

Dimensions 59 × 36 × 25 cm

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