Liddicoatite Tourmaline

Item Description

At the end of 2011, there was a find of some attractive Tourmaline specimens from the Camp Robin area of Madagascar. These crystals were sold to me as being Liddicoatite, but as of 2011, Liddicoatite is no longer a valid mineral species, but for the purposes of this crystal, I'm going to refer to it as Liddicoatite. There are more localities for Liddicoatite in Madagascar than any other country worldwide. Originally, it was named after the gemologist Richard Liddicoat, the former president of the Gemological Institute of America. Many of you are probably familiar with the great multi-color polished slabs of Tourmaline from Madagascar that show a wonderful array of patterns and color arrangements, but typically Liddicoatite is not often seen in euhedral well terminated crystals. This specimen is an excellent crystal for any Tourmaline collector as it has excellent form, luster and sharpness, and a rarely seen pinkish orange color throughout the prism. The crystal is certainly gemmy when backlit, and has top luster, with virtually no real damge to speak of. A beautiful and rare Tourmaline crystal.