Tourmaline var. Elbaite

Item Description

Most Russian tourmaline does not excite me so much, for its generally dark colors or pale colors. This elbaite is doubly-terminated with the basal termination being a "healed" old in situ break. It is lustrous and translucent and multi-hued. From the upper termination down it is orangey-red, to orange-yellow, then grades to a golden amber near the base. Size, translucence, and color change make this one of the most interesting Malkhan elbaites I have seen, although it should be stated the luster is moderate, not glassy. The gem weight is 188 grams.