Tourmaline on Albite

$15,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

Russian tourmalines of this quality came out of a massive exploration/recovery project documented very nicely in a fine issue of the Mineralogical Record, from about 2013-2020. They set new standards, period...for beauty and impact, and the fact that these were on matrix, unprecedented. The skilled recovery and skilled preparation was a first to be applied here, and the workers literally removed the entire pegmatite vein to do proper trim and cleaning in the lab later. There is little left at this deposit - even if it was possible to mine it again today, which it is not. The specimen here is a very fine, balanced matrix piece in a good size range for so many collectors! Most of the tourmalines found here were opaque, but red and pretty. Only a relative few were gemmy! The main crystal is 8 cm tall, gemmy and transparent through most of its length. Like many Russian pieces, it has a color that changes subtly depending upon lighting (variously red or magenta in hue, sometimes with yellowish highlights). The main crystal is intact and wonderfully terminated with a glassy top. There are no repairs: a few hairline fractures are present, but the nestling and surrounding matrix held the tourmaline together in each case and there is no repair nor restoration - again, remarkable for this material. For the overall size, balance, quality, color, and condition, this is hard to beat - especially in an affordable price range. It is elegant and worthy of holding its own with most Brazilian or worldwide tourmalines, which is not something you often say about Russian pieces.