Viitaniemiite with Elbaite Tourmaline
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This is a well-composed miniature of the rare phosphate viitaniemiite with elbaite tourmaline from a complex pegmatite at Chhappu, Pakistan. Viitaniemiite is a complex sodium-calcium-manganese-aluminum phosphate and is a secondary phosphate formed by the alteration of primary pegmatite phosphates like triphylite-lithiophilite and amblygonite-montebrasite by late stage pegmatite fluids. This interesting miniature has several, translucent, prismatic and bladed, monoclinic crystals of viitaniemiite from 0.5 to 2.3 cm in size growing on loose group of almost lime-green, translucent to transparent, lightly striated prisms of tourmaline. Some of the Tourmalines are terminated and some are not; the viitaniemiite crystals are in excellent condition. A very good miniature example from this 2024 find, which surprised us with good crystals of this rare species in association with tourmaline. This is a new locality for large crystals of the species.
Product details
SpeciesTourmaline, Elbaite, Viitaniemiite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions3.5 x 3.5 x 2.3 cm
Listed on03/20/2026
LocalityPakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chhappu
SKURARE25-175
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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
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