Elbaite with Smoky Quartz

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Malkhan Elbaites are both Russian and world-wide classics, known in particular for their sumptuous shades of red; and this one has a shocking and intense color, no damage, and is complete all around. This particularly broad, single crystal is translucent-to-gemmy with an attractive, raspberry-red color. The presentation side is notched, and it has an excellent, glassy luster that really makes the sharp striations stand out. The remaining prism faces have good luster with just the slightest silkiness, and the complete termination is frostier still. Found within the notches is the remains of a Smoky Quartz crystal, which begs the question of which came first, the Tourmaline or the Quartz. Whatever the answer, this still remains a fine, bewitching, combination piece that has 'Malkhan' written all over it. For reference, see the Mineralogical Record, Vol.50, No.3, May-June 2019. 129 grams in mass.