Elbaite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameElbaite
Chemical FormulaNa(Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor prismatic
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.06
Colorsdark green, black, green, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityStak Nala, Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Baltistan
Mineral GroupSilicates (Tourmaline group)
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A large, elongated, dark green to black prismatic Elbaite crystal with a vibrant green termination, partially covered by smaller white crystals of Quartz and Calcite.
Geological Context
Elbaite is a common mineral in granitic pegmatites and aplites, often forming in the late stages of magmatic crystallization or during hydrothermal alteration.
