Elbaite var. Rubellite - image 1

Elbaite var. Rubellite

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This miniature tourmaline, Elbaite var. Rubellite, is from the legendary 1978 pocket at Jonas mine at Conselheiro Pena, Doce Valley in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The Rubellite forms two crystals: one broad, intensely deep red prism, 5 cm long, with multiple terminations, and a second narrower, paler, raspberry-pink crystal, 3 cm in length, splaying off from the base at an angle of about 45 degrees. Both tourmalines are heavily coated in rosettes of pale cream to white platy Lepidolite crystals which add significantly to its character and pin it to the 1978 pocket. There is a delicate beauty to this piece and knowing the history of the 1978 pocket to the world of mineral collectors makes it all the more special. Not without damage - there are a couple of chips to the edges of the tourmaline - but a true rarity and a real specialist collectors piece.

Product details

SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.3 x 5.1 x 3.2 cm
Added on03/29/2025
Current owner
Unknown Owner
Acquired
Jul 2026
Price paid
$5,000.00
Previous owners
DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Crystal ClassicsNot disclosed

Learn more

Tourmaline
Mineral guide
Learn about Elbaite
color range and crystal variety define a diverse group; top localities, value factors, quality assessment, and care tips for collectors.
Tourmaline
Regional guide
Tourmaline from Jonas Mine, Brazil
Jonas Mine, Brazil — premier tourmaline locality for deep red rubellite (elbaite) in pegmatites; famed specimens, iconic color, and strong collector appeal.
Locality guide
Jonas Mine
A collector's guide to Jonas Mine, Brazil: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 243 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.