Fluor-liddicoatite (polished slice)

Item Description

Superb polished Madagascar Tourmaline slice exhibiting the incredible hidden beauty of its crystal growth. Many times these slices show the varied and intricate details of the complex formation of our beloved Tourmalines. This extremely large, 15 cm across, single crystal contains spectacular uniform triangular growth patterns generating perfect equilateral triangles having straight axis alignment from zone to zone. The highly translucent to transparent zones have multiple hues of gemmy earth tone colors starting with a dark green core and alternating bands from yellows to greens to browns ranging from 1 to 6 mm in thickness. A completely mesmerizing display! The color bands tend to lighten radiating outward until the very dark outer band. The overall aesthetics are visually enhanced by the almost clear middle band. The slice has a repair to one corner of the triangle with some internal fracturing - all typical of such large slices. These unique Fluor-liddicoatite slices from the Anjanabonoina pegmatites in Madagascar are individually unique, highly desirable and difficult to find on the market. Note: While this material is now generally identified as Fluor-liddicoatite, it may be composed of zones of fluor-liddicoatite, liddicoatite, elbaite or other tourmaline species. Single crystal XRD and WDS analysis are needed to confirm which species are present. Ex. Jack Halpern Collection No. 3342 The specimen has a stunning "look" to it and was formerly in the collection of Marion Stuart, well known Idaho based collector and heiress to the Carnation Milk fortune. Wayne Thompson and Gary Hansen bought this collection in 2001 and Jack bought it from Wayne soon after. Jack LOVED his slices!