Elbaite with Lepidolite Tourmaline

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Another yet rather different large miniature Elbaite Tourmaline from a pocket discovered in the Coronel Murta pegmatite in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais; an area known the world over for its magnificent gem minerals. This single, ex. matrix Elbaite crystal measures 6.8 cm tall with its base encircled aby a near continuous riband of pale lilac Lepidolite mica crystals, so characteristic of this lithium-rich pegmatite. The Elbaite prism grades from opaque, inky bluish deep sea green through translucent to transparent sea green and terminating with a banded red and pale pink cap. This latter zone cycles from a narrow, cherry red pinacoid to a broader pale pink band, followed by a repetition of this same sequence. What a amazing miracle of nature Tourmaline is, as exemplified in this gorgeous specimen from the Coronel Murta mining district