Elbaite - image 1

Elbaite

Unknown Owner
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A 25-gram, brilliantly colorful crystal from the so-called "lipstick pocket" which Steve Smale obtained en masse while teaching math in Brazil in the 1980s, and brought back to trade and sell ever since. However, he long ago parted with the lesser pieces and this was a final miniature in his miniature tourmaline gem crystal suites. It has a riveting, totally gemmy core body of green grading to a light blue color in the middle, then to a lavender hue as you approach the termination, and finally to the intense cranberry cap. It is pristine, and complete-all-around, except only a small contact point in the back where a minor secondary crystal was attached in the pocket. Ex. Steve Smale Collection.

Product details

SpeciesElbaite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.2 x 1.5 x 1.4 cm
Added on10/23/2024

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Tourmaline
Mineral guide
Learn about Elbaite
color range and crystal variety define a diverse group; top localities, value factors, quality assessment, and care tips for collectors.
Tourmaline
Regional guide
Tourmaline from Cruzeiro Mine, Brazil
from Cruzeiro Mine, Brazil - vivid color zoning, large elbaite crystals, and rich pocket contexts, prized by collectors for variety and quality.