Muscovite ps. Elbaite on Schorl Tourmaline - image 1

Muscovite ps. Elbaite on Schorl Tourmaline

$6,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

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This is (in form) a large crystal of tourmaline that has been almost completely replaced by muscovite, with an unusual regrowth of schorl tourmaline on the bottom end sporting a perfect termination. The elbaite tourmaline crystal that has been pseudomorphed by a sparkling aggregate of 2 to 5 mm bladed muscovite crystals is hollowed/ hopped atop. It is making for a very interesting crystal specimen replacement we sometimes see from Brazil or Madagascar, in which the lithium has been removed during a late-stage replacement process (we are assuming it's muscovite and not some strange lithium-bearing mica). The form of the previously existing tourmaline has been pretty faithfully preserved it just has a rough exterior and hollow interior where the tourmaline is essentially gone there is just a cast of muscovite after tourmaline that measures 4.5 cm across. There is even a 2 inch book of silvery muscovite on one side of the piece along with a few smaller muscovite blades. The subsequent growth of schorl is present only at one end of the piece where it represents a lustrous, striated crystal block measuring 6 cm long and 7 cm across with distinctly striated crystal faces - perhaps formed from material as the original crystal was dissolved out. This is an impressive and attractive large cabinet pseudomorph of muscovite after elbaite with a later growth of schorl. Awarded Tucson Gem and Mineral Show's best in show Paul Desautels Trophy case (2009). As a side note added from the former owner Stretch Young: This was my first major pseudo, that started the whole collection! The piece is illustrated and this history is told in a biosketch story of the collection, in the book Collecting Pseudomorphs: The Changelings of Mineralogy (Mineralogical Record, Jan 2025) on page 103. Also illustrated in ExtraLapis #43: Pseudomorphs. Comes with a custom lucite display base. Laszlo Kupi photo.