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trigonaluncommonSilicates (Cyclosilicates), Tourmaline Group
Elbaite
Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4
The image displays a well-formed, prismatic crystal of Elbaite, exhibiting a greenish-blue hue and characteristic vertical striations along its length.
Elbaite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
indistinct/poorFracture
conchoidal/unevenSpecific Gravity
3.02Colors
green, pink, red, blue, yellow, colorless, blackTransparency
transparent/translucentType Locality
Elba, Italy (type locality); Brazil; Afghanistan; USA (Maine, California)Mineral Group
Silicates (Cyclosilicates), Tourmaline GroupUses
jewelry, collector, metaphysicalAssociated Minerals
quartz, feldspar, lepidolite, spodumene, beryl, apatiteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Elbaite typically forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and, less commonly, in metamorphic rocks, often crystallizing in vugs or pockets.
