Tourmaline (Elbaite) with Smoky Quartz

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This exceptional colour-zoned Elbaite tourmaline is from the famous gem-bearing Spodumene pegmatites at Paprok in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. A single 4.8 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm Elbaite prism is attached at its base to a 4 cm long Smoky Quartz crystal, the two at 45 degrees to each other. The Elbaite is triclinic in cross-section as is the nature with tourmaline, yet this is an elongated habit, forming more a rounded isosceles triangular section. The initial 2.5 to 3 cm of the prism is translucent cherry-magenta then changes to semi-transparent bubble gum pink. This is succeeded by a narrow yellow-fawn band and then one of bright leafy-lime green. The prism culminates with pale lavender, then coral-pink and finally a thin, perhaps 0.5 mm light blue cap. The latter is not apparent but can be seen sideways-on under low magnification. The prism faces have a brilliant glassy lustre whereas the pinacoid has a waxy appearance. The crystal has a perfectly flat pinacoid termination. This has tiny areas of micro-bruising all around its circumference and are all likely to be natural through tectonic disturbance in the pocket. A gorgeous and spectacular Elbaite from Paprok from the stunning collection of Jesse Fisher and Joan Kureczka.