Elbaite (Robert Bartsch Coll.)

Item Description

A fine and rare old-timer from this renowned locale, famed for the blue cap tourmaline finds of 1972. This impressive, blocky, highly lustrous, well-striated tourmaline looks like a schorl under normal light. BUT, when back lit, the crystal LIGHTS UP with layered blue-gray translucence under the highly lustrous, super dark purple or black termination. Complete all-around. One termination corner is dinged and there is a tiny bit of bruising along another edge. The basal periphery wear is also noted. These have minimal impact to the high quality of this rare elbaite varietal from this famous locale. 157 grams mass. Self-collected by Robert Bartsch in 1964, a noted California field collector and collector. He passed away in 2014 and here is a link to a fine article written by his friend, Rock Currier: http://www.mindat.org/article.php/2158/Robert+Bartsch+++RIP++1939+to+2014.