Tourmaline (rich multi-color crystal) with Lepidolite (Mined: December 2023)

Item Description

A beautiful multi-colored Tourmaline crystal from the recent mining by Bill Larson / Pala International at the famed Tourmaline King Mine in San Diego County. This locality has produced some of the most iconic Tourmalines from any mine in the area, and dates back to the early 1900s. This locality gained early famed during this time for its "walk-in pocket”, which according to the entry on mindat.org states, "upon excavation extended nearly 30 feet in length, averaging 10 feet in width, and continuous for up to 30 feet down dip. It was said that this single pocket zone when thoroughly exhausted, produced nearly 8 tons of pink tourmaline". With that said, the mine is active today and currently producing more wonderfully colorful Tourmalines like this one. The color in this crystal is mostly pink, but an INTENSE, fiery hue, stronger than most you'll see not only from California, but the majority of other world localities. When backlit, the color is mesmerizing, and it plays beautifully against the greenish hues that can be seen on the exterior of the crystal. A final touch of little deep purple colored groups of "Lepidolite" (now defined as the Polylithionite-Trilithionite series) are a great accent. I will point out that the crystal is not what I would call euhedral, but it is recrystallized on the top and bottom, so it's not broken, just not totally complete either. I can't get over the color, so strong and captivating. A great piece for any fan of Tourmalines or San Diego County material, and was mined in December of 2023, so it hasn't even been out of the ground for a year. Don't miss out. Specimen weight is 171.8 grams.