Uvite on Quartz

Uvite is a member of the Tourmaline Group and on this cabinet specimen forms three excellent green crystals attached to a single, elegant colourless Quartz crystal. It is from Brumado in the State of Bahia in Brazil and is not just a fine example of this relatively rare species but also has excellent aesthetics. The largest Uvite crystal measures approximately 1.7 cm at its widest point and joined to this is a perfect, bevelled hexagonal crystal, 0.9 cm between flats. The third Uvite is a little lower on the Quartz crystal, nestling between the main Quartz and a smaller side branch. This Uvite is only half complete, its lower half having been cleaved off sometime in its history. The Quartz crystal is spectacular in itself, measuring 12.2 cm long, colourless and almost entirely gemmy. It gradually tapers between its base and excellent termination, giving the impression of being slightly curved (more an optical illusion). I must point out that the largest Uvite crystal has been reattached to the specimen using a clear glue prior to us buying it. The glue line I noticed around the crystal has now been completely removed in our prep lab and the there is now no visible trace of a repair. Examined microscopically, this Uvite crystal does stand a little proud of the Quartz crystal due to the film of glue behind it, but this is probably only by about 0.3 mm. This is invisible unless scrutinized under a lens. For the specialist Tourmaline collector, or anyone else passionate for Tourmaline, this green Uvite on Quartz is a stunning specimen.