Elbaite on Quartz

Unknown Owner

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Aricanga mine at São José da Safira in Minas Gerais state, Brazil has recently produced some exceptional 'rocket'-shaped Elbaite tourmaline crystals, most of which are loose crystals free from matrix. These show an upper prism with typical 'tourmaline' striated sides but with a narrower naturally etched base, making a sceptre-like form. This unusual piece shows the association with other species perfectly, and how the 5.8 cm tall 'rocket' rises up from a sliver of a crystal of Smoky Quartz. The upper termination on the tourmaline is very distinctive, with a highly pronounced steeply angled three-sided pyramid. The main colour of this Elbaite is a bottle-green, but it has an internal glow from a deep cerise core. This specimen comes with a custom-made acryllic Sunnywood display stand. The specimen has one recorded repair.