Detailed information
Species
Elbaite, Lepidolite
Dimensions
63 x 84 x 55
mm
Weight
354 g
Locality
Malkhan pegmatite field Krasnyi Chikoy, Chitinskaya Oblast Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
Condition
No recorded repairs
Red rubellite Elbaite tourmaline crystals from the Malkhan pegmatite field in eastern Russia are amongst the most popular tourmalines for pegmatite mineral collectors and with this superb stepped statuesque crystal one can easily see why. Not only does it present a really charming structural form, with a main flat pinacoid termination and three sloping faces, but around its edges other terminations are stepped like tower blocks around a central column. One prism side/face is scarred with inclusions of Lepidolite, large and small, with larger platy 'books' of pale lilac-grey Lepidolite dominating around its base. From the front display direction the other two prism sides are crisp and clean and display a magnificent glossy appearance with flashes of internal reflections from within its raspberry-red body colour. The flat terminal pinacoid face is very dark burgundy, contrasting nicely with the paler raspberry-red glassy sides. Internally, as seen from the base upwards, its core is amber-orange and this shows through with directional lighting. A very choice Russian rubellite tourmaline which sits naturally for display, providing a classy statement of quality. Ex Francis Coune Collection (Belgium).
