Elbaite var. Rubellite on Microcline

Item Description

One of the finer thumbnails from a relatively new hot find. Morocco has emerged as a renowned source of fine rubellite specimens in recent years, particularly after 2020. Before this period, Morocco was not widely recognized for producing high-quality tourmaline. This specimen, mined in 2021, features an unusual, multi-colored, translucent, and lustrous crystal. The tourmaline displays a yellowish core, a rose-colored outer layer, and a deep purple termination, perched on a sharp microcline crystal. Notably, the microcline shows secondary albite exsolution, likely due to a post-hydrothermal event that makes it more appreciable. Please note that the tourmaline crystal has undergone one repair, though it has not been restored. The repair is skillfully done, minimally visible, and I consider it to be acceptable. Ex Jingnan (Tom) Zhang.