Euclase

Unknown Owner

Euclase is a rare beryllium aluminium hydroxide silicate and is closely related to Beryl, but is a distinct species and not a variety. This miniature is from the Alto do Giz pegmatite at Equador, in the Borborema mineral Province of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. This beryllium-tantalum-lithium (Ba-Ta-Li) pegmatite is mined for tantalum. The specimen measures 3.5 x 4.0 x 1.7 cm and features a gemmy, deep to mid-cornflower blue Euclase crystal protruding out from a pegmatite matrix with included block, anhedral Euclase. Euclase is one of the lesser seen gem minerals, so always making it a welcome addition to any mineral collection.