Elbaite with Lepidolite & Cleavelandite

Otjua Farm 37, Karibib District, Erongo, Namibia 10 x 9.6 x 7.2cm

Alan Fertel Personal Collection

ex. Jesse Fisher and Joan Kureczka

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The Otjua pegmatites are complex, granitic pegmatites with clear zoning. The Otjua Mine, also referred to as Beckers Pegmatite, is located at Farm 37, near Karibib, Erongo Region. Well known for producing a variety of colored gem stones, the tourmalines range from exotic polychromes to rare indicolites.

This specimen features a single, large Elbaite crystal with red exterior and green core. What really makes this piece stand out are the blades of violet lepidolite adorning the lower two thirds of the tourmaline, which is resting on a nest of Cleavelandite blades. This piece was featured at the 2012 Munich show and is ex. Jesse Fisher and Joan Kureczka.