Tourmaline on Lepidolite

Aricanga mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil

11.5 cm tall x 12 cm wide

Large "rocket-like" crystals burst forth from a lavender lepidolite matrix. The elongated, prismatic crystals, transitioning from raspberry red to mint green with hints of aquamarine blue are not only visually captivating but also represent a remarkable exploration of color gradation. This color transition effectively draws the eye along the length of each crystal, inviting viewers to engage and appreciate the subtleties within the hues. The colors are bold and vibrant, embodying a dynamic energy while maintaining harmony, wonder and admiration for the natural world. There is a certain serenity and awe that comes from observing the meticulous structure and vivid coloration of the crystals, offering a gentle reminder of the beauty found in nature.

This colorful tourmaline comes from the Aricanga Mine which lies at the heart of tourmaline mining in Brazil. The exceptionally high chroma values rival all other tourmaline localities for intensity and vibrancy. An uncommon feature of this discovery is that the tourmaline crystals exhibit two distinctly different termination habits; some are pyramidal while others are flat. From this pocket there are four exceptional examples. All four, this being one of them, are considered among the very best tourmalines ever unearthed.