Elbaite Tourmaline ex Campbell

Item Description

Several Elbaite Tourmaline crystals in parallel growth along with a perpendicular crystal near the base form an aesthetic arrangement in this polychrome piece from Paprok, Afghanistan. The Parallel to subparallel crystal group is translucent to locally gemmy with at least nine component crystals in tight composition. They range in color from pale pink at the base to light mint green in the central upper portion to a light magenta at the terminations. The terminations are perfect and are staggered in height. There are actually two sidecar crystals, a slightly divergent, 3.5 cm, unterminated, multiple crystal that grows into the base of the larger one and then a slightly curved, 1.7 cm that is terminated by a flat pedion. All of the crystals display pastel colors and all are striated parallel to their length. There are tiny white patches of Kaolinite clay on the front and a larger patch on the backside. This is from 2001 finds at Paprok as marked on the bottom of the piece. This multi-hued beauty has a mass of 46.1 grams. From the collection of our friend and staff mineralogist Dr. Tom Campbell, a co-author of the Encyclopedia of Minerals as well as a professional exploration geologist for pegmatites and metallic ores. Tom's collection is heavily balanced towards worldwide pegmatite minerals and unusual crystals. Old style material, purchased decades ago and not typical of modern production here. Valued $2000