Liddicoatite Tourmaline (rare orange color on the termination)

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 orange color on the termination, along with a host of different greens and pinks, plus the highly desirable "tea" color that is rarely seen in any mineral, let alone Tourmaline, plus in-between hues in the center. The crystal is gemmy when backlit, with beautifully striated prism faces and a unique, uneven form. A beautiful and rare Tourmaline crystal. Valued at $950.