Elbaite
Image: Eva K. (GFDL 1.2)
Mineral NameElbaite
Chemical FormulaNa(Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageindistinct to poor
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3
Colorsgreen, pink, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityElba Island, Italy (type locality)
Mineral GroupSilicates (Tourmaline Group)
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, lepidolite, beryl
Rarityuncommon
Description
This is a sliced, translucent specimen of elbaite, exhibiting distinct color zoning with an outer green rind transitioning to a pinkish-red core, characteristic of 'watermelon tourmaline.' The internal structure shows triangular growth patterns.
Geological Context
Elbaite typically forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often associated with late-stage magmatic crystallization in complex pegmatite bodies.
