Elbaite var. Indicolite Tourmaline

This magnificent inky blue Elbaite Tourmaline from the Santa Rosa mine in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a single, ex-matrix, crystal with a horizontally cleaved base and finely stepped trigonal pyramidal termination.  Due to its large size the prism is opaque, yet in transmitted light its faces are translucent.  The initial 6 cm from the base is a milky indigo blue with a metallic internal lustre, then rapidly grades to a much deeper indigo blue.  The termination is one where the Elbaite divides into a myriad of acicular terminations, giving the three termination faces a complex spiky texture, that of upwardly pointing fine needles.  At about 6.5 cm above the base is a hairline crack encircling the prism which initially appears as if it could be repaired.  This is considered not the case, appearing to have been naturally re-healed.  A majestic blue Elbaite Tourmaline worthy of any museum display.  The specimen is accompanied with a custom made acrylic base with a machine-cut contoured profile.