Rubellite Tourmaline on Lepidolite (1978 find)

Item Description

Gorgeous, vivid cranberry-red tourmaline crystals on lepidolite matrix from the most famous tourmaline discovery of all time at the Jonas Mine in 1978. The aesthetically arranged crystals have the classic color, transparency and glassiness typical of Jonas rubellites. Fine elbaites from the Jonas Mine are rarely seen in dealer stocks today and were briefly available only in the late 1970s. The tips of the two large crystals are contacted, but have no damage, per se. Multiple crystal clusters in this size range are not very common. Jonas tourmalines ALWAYS go for a premium, and when you see this piece in your case, you will understand why to this day, over 30 years later, they set the standard for rubellite. These are totally gemmy, slender crystals of classic color. The piece has nce contrasting lepidolite association. Although broken on the bottom, it actually still looks good upsde down anyhow, when viewed eye level or above as the crstals stick up. a perfectly good representation of this famous find for any collector without breaking the bank. I value it at $2000-2500.