Elbaite Tourmaline

This elegant 4.0 cm tall Elbaite Tourmaline crystal is from a new gem pocket found in the Coronel Murta district of Minas Gerais in Brazil and makes an arresting miniature.  The slender prism is essentially gemmy, but the presence of reflective dislocation planes and other optical disruptions give an overall translucency to the specimen.  The final 4 mm becomes almost colourless and gemmy, then terminates with a 1 mm deep, intense cerise-pink cap.  The prism has a curved triangular cross-section, is vertically striated and has a glassy to brushed satin lustre.  No repairs have been made to this specimen and it is displayed nicely on a small colourless acrylic base.