Elbaite Tourmaline in Cookeite - image 1

Elbaite Tourmaline in Cookeite - image 3

Elbaite Tourmaline in Cookeite - image 4

Elbaite Tourmaline in Cookeite

Unknown Owner

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This Golconda matrix Tourmaline comes from the famous 1962 finds that really set off matrix specimen hunting for tourmaline aficionados in Brazil. So few are known to exist on the market today. It is from the finds in 1960s as noted on one of the labels (1962) at the Golconda Mine and as described in the Mineralogical Record, Sept.-Oct. 2019 issue. Crystals are obvious and immediately recognizable, characterized by a pink body and green terminations. This specimen consists of one lovely, highly lustrous, bicolored pink and green elbaite to 2.1cm in length growing from a matrix of pale pink to whitish, fine-grained Cookeite. From a collector's standpoint in the 60s, it is significant because it's from some of the most historic mining in Brazil at the time. This is a true rarity, and a perfect miniature as well. Ex. Norman Dawson collection with label. It could also be trimmed into what would surely be the finest Golconda thumbnail specimen I could imagine, a large thumbnail with the gem crystals balanced on a knob of matrix - hint hint, for those competitive thumbnail collectors out there!