Tourmaline on Lepidolite

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

13 cm tall x 16 cm wide

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. Large "rocket-like" crystals, a gem raspberry red blending into mint green with hints of aquamarine blue, burst forth from a lavender lepidolite matrix. This specimen defines excellence for the species.