Detailed information
Species
Elbaite
Dimensions
67 x 48 x 37
mm
Weight
179 g
Locality
Alingar pegmatite field Alingar District, Laghman Afghanistan
Condition
No recorded repairs
This extremely distinctive single Elbaite tourmaline crystal comes from the lesser-known Alingar pegmatite field in Laghman, Afghanistan. Better known for very fine richly coloured Spodumene var. Kunzite crystals, this lithium-rich pegmatite district clearly (on this evidence) has superb Elbaite crystals to offer too. This large miniature-sized crystal has a number of quite distinctive and appealing features. Firstly, from above, its classic three-sided gently sloping pyramidal termination is not only extremely well-formed in shape, but is glassy and a rich, intense raspberry-red colour. Its three prism sides are classically striated, like all great tourmalines, and about half way down the shift in colour from raspberry-red and pale raspberry pink to icy-blue/grey is stark and instant. Its wide body means that despite being technically a miniature specimen, it is prominent and visibly very eye catching. A very lovely and distinctive Afghan tourmaline.