Elbaite on Quartz

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This exceptionally well proportioned gem tourmaline specimen on Quartz matrix demonstrates the magnificent quality of the gem-bearing pegmatites at Coronel Murta in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It is repaired, as many of the very finest tourmalines are, but this does not detract from the beauty and aesthetic charm of this Elbaite specimen. Rising up out of a grey-white Quartz crystal the main 5.6 cm long prismatic crystal of Elbaite shows a lovely bi-colour, with a transition from strawberry red for most of its length up to a thin teal blue-green cap and an even thinner raspberry-red tip. With superb optical transparency these colours are much enhanced through directional lighting. The Elbaite crystal has a sharp, flat pinacoid termination and is in extremely fine condition with several smaller gemmy Elbaite crystals fanning off across the surface of the Quartz too, but showing contrasting pyramidal tourmaline terminations and contrasting colour zonation. Finally, several clusters of overlapping scale-like crystals of pale purple Lepidolite mica sit upon the surface of the lower part of the main tourmaline crystal. These provide a wonderful balance of colour, presenting nicely with the tourmaline tones. Underneath, on the base, a cross-section through the main Elbaite crystal reveals a classic 'watermelon' colour zonation. It comes with a custom-made acryllic display stand.