Elbaite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameElbaite
Chemical FormulaNa(Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageindistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3
Colorsgreen, pink, white
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityCruzeiro mine, São José da Safira, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, lepidolite, spodumene
Rarityuncommon
Description
A rectangular, faceted gemstone exhibiting classic 'watermelon' color zoning, transitioning from a vibrant green on one end, through a pale or colorless zone, to a rich pink/magenta on the other.
Geological Context
Elbaite is a member of the tourmaline group, typically forming in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and sometimes in metamorphic rocks, often associated with other rare earth minerals.
