Description
This tourmaline is from Sao Jose da Batalha, Salgadinho, Borborema mining district, Paraiba, Brazil. Some of the pegmatites in this district produce a rare variety of elbaite tourmaline that has a unique blue green color. Elbaite contains the elements Al, B, H, Na, O, and Si. It comes in a variety of colors based on the presence of trace elements in the crystal matrix. These rare elbaites are cuprian or they contain traces of copper. The copper is the element responsible for the blue green color. This piece consists of a feldspar matrix that hosts multiple blue-green topped crystals. The crystals are fractured in situ with healed surfaces and terminations. The piece measures 2 5/8 x 1 1/4 x 2 inches or 67 x 32 x 50 mm as displayed in photo 1.
