Elbaite

Thick and robust, and yet at the same time strikingly colourful and unusual in its form, this superb matrix-less Brazilian Rubellite tourmaline from the modern classic pegmatites at Coronel Murta in Minas Gerais state is a highly unusual large grouping of at least six perfectly parallel prismatic crystals, all of which are very nearly the same length too (6.5 cm). Consequently, their flat pinacoid terminations are joined to produce one broad flat, glassy surface, with just one small step. This large area termination is in superb condition. The base of the crystals, although a fractured surface, is relatively straight across all of the crystals. Translucent to partially transparent across the prisms, the rich raspberry-red tones are dappled rather than uniform, with some much paler bands and with an extremely vibrant thin red band across the level of their termination. Fine, classic, tourmaline-style vertical growth-lines run parallel up the outer surfaces of the crystals, giving addition character to this piece. It has three reported repairs, although they are not easy to spot. It also comes with a custom-made Sunnywood acryllic display stand.