Tourmaline

Item Description

The famous pegmatite deposits around Virgem da Lapa are best known for the world class natural blue Topaz specimens, but every once in a while, some attractive and rarely seen Tourmalines come out of this area as well. This particular piece is a stunning, riveting, multi-colored Tourmaline with great gemminess, from new finds of January 2010. Virgem de Lapa has not produced good gem tourmaline in any size since over 30 years, and this pocket was a huge and important surprise. The coloration and habit is distinct, when seen in person, really quite different than Santa Rosa material which it superficially resembles. This crystal is complete-all-around, and has an unusual termination, where it clearly grew against the pocket wall. Some accenting groups of gemmy, purplish "Lepidolite" can be seen near the base of the crystal. The surface is pretty glassy, which is important for these specimens, as many are rather dull and somtimes pitted. There is an internal brightness when the crystal is backlit. The color gradation is more evident, and impressive in person, with the classic "black head" termination! A beautiful gem crystal, easily backlit and shown to its full potential. Valued at $1400.