Tourmaline (rare ''feather''-like habit) (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

Tourmaline is one of the most popular and diverse minerals out there, particularly because its found in virtually ever color in the rainbow. Most of the time, Tourmaline crystals are found as simple trigonal prisms, but every once in a while you'll find a crystal with an unusual habit like this one. This piece comes with a label stating it's from the Mutuca Mine in Malacacheta, Brazil. With that said, it's the only one like it that I've seen from the locality. The majority of the crystal is a thin "pencil"-like habit with a gemmy, rich Indicolite blue color but it changes dramatically at the termination as the crystal immediately shifts into yellow and colorless hues with a "built up" layering of crystal faces, creating a rarely seen "feather"-like or almost "scepter"-esque shape. This particular style is seldom seen in Tourmaline and if you're a fan of gem crystals, pegmatite minerals or just worldwide Tourmalines, don't miss out on this unique and beautiful example from this relatively obscure locality. Specimen weight is 6.01 grams. Valued at $1,000-$1,500 retail. Ex Brian Kosnar collection.