"Rabbit Ears" - blue cap tourmaline - Tourmaline Queen Mine

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Most recently was on exhibit at the 2026 TGMS Show in Tucson as part of the David P. Wilber Memorial case organized by Hannah Brodhagen.

Product details

SizeLarge Cabinet
Dimensions24.0 cm
Added on01/22/2026

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
1972Edward R SwobodaNot disclosed
Original owner of this specimen. Swoboda owned the mine, Tourmaline Queen Mine, when this specimen was discovered and this was his first pick of pieces to keep in his private collection.
David P WilberNot disclosed
Wilber acquired the Rabbit Ears from Swoboda in a legendary trade that involved a $50,000 cash pay-out, the Bancroft Rhodochrosite (aka The Alma Queen) and a Rolls Royce automobile.

Learn more

Tourmaline
Mineral guide
Learn about Tourmaline
color range and crystal variety define a diverse group; top localities, value factors, quality assessment, and care tips for collectors.
Regional guide
Tourmaline from the Tourmaline Queen Mine
Queen Mine — renowned locality yielding vibrant tourmaline crystals, prized by collectors for color variety and historical collecting significance.