Detailed information
Species
Elbaite
Dimensions
24 x 13 x 13
mm
Weight
7 g
Locality
Coronel Murta Jequitinhonha Valley Minas Gerais, Brazil
Condition
No recorded repairs
In terms of gem pegmatite discoveries in Brazil, the Coronel Murta deposits in Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais state are quite new, but have produced wonderful colour-zoned Elbaite crystals. This admittedly small-miniature crystal presents the classic strawberry-pink to teal blue/green colour combination for which these pegmatites are renowned. Off-matrix, but with a few small clusters of pale grey Lepidolite crystals dotted around the base, this short, stubby, terminated Elbaite crystal is actually tri-coloured, with a gooseberry-coloured tip, following on from its teal blue-green central- to upper band and strawberry-pink base. Its termination, which is in excellent, damage-free condition, is dominantly a classic 'tourmaline' three-sided pyramid but with three small truncated corner faces. A really fine smaller Coronel Murta Elbaite.