Elbaite Tourmaline with Spodumene var. Kunzite - image 1

Elbaite Tourmaline with Spodumene var. Kunzite

Unknown Owner

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A lovely and unique combination pegmatite piece from Afghanistan featuring two notable gem species in symmetrical balance: Elbaite and Kunzite. A striking, modest-sized spray of lustrous, saturated, pastel green Elbaite dominates one side of this dazzling piece that is balanced on the side by a single, gemmy, pastel pink, prismatic, Kunzite crystal nested in an offset position relative to the Tourmaline spray. The Elbaite Tourmaline crystals are from 1.5 to 5.1 cm in length and radiate from a central point at the base of the piece. These crystals are super lustrous, lightly striated and many are terminated "fancy" (by the pinacoid). A few Tourmaline crystals at the interior of the spray are broken, but are somewhat hidden by the terminated crystals at the periphery. The Kunzite measures 4.3 cm in length and 1.2 cm at its widest point. It has a satiny, lightly striated exterior and a gem interior for the upper two-thirds of the crystal. The piece has good composition with a great contrast of pastel colors! The kunzite formed "hugged" by the tourmaline spray and is slightly "loose" within the confines of the tourmaline. It could be easily stabilized, but we left it as is for the moment in case any collectors appreciate the novelty!