Tourmaline (classic 1974 find)

Item Description

Beautiful tourmaline miniature from the famous Tourmaline Queen Mine, with a translucent top that shades from light blue to gray coloring. This beauty was recovered in circa 1974 by Bill Larson and Ed Swoboda's company, 2 years after the renowned "Blue-cap" tourmalines. The gorgeous, rich pink, gemmy/translucent body is capped by a gemmy, 4 mm gray termination. The very glassy, highly lustrous, trigonal crystal is well-striated. The crystal GLOWS with vibrant color, when backlit. Complete all-around. The pock mark features on the satin luster termination add much interest and character. In excellent shape overall. The prism faces are essentially pristine. Scattered termination edge wear is certainly a modest detraction to this important and classic tourmaline. Mass is 115 grams. See the Tourmaline Queen article in the 2002 Mineralogical Record California Pegmatites issue, Vol. 33, No.5. Comes with an original 1970s Pala Properties label, as they collected the piece. A choice example from the find and noted locale. at 115 grams, it is hefty and colorful. These are unique to this day.