Description
This specimen 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 unique blue green color. This piece consists of a feldspar matrix hosting partial elbaite crystals. They have mixed zones of pinks and blue-greens. Parts of the crystals have contact and/or etched surfaces. This piece measures 2 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 2 inches or 70 x 63 x 50 mm.
