Elbaite (Paraiba tourmaline - Cuprian Elbaite)
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameElbaite (Paraiba tourmaline - Cuprian Elbaite)
Chemical FormulaNa(Li,Al)3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)4
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageindistinct/poor
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.06
Colorsblue, green, pink, magenta, violet
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityMavuco, Nampula Province, Mozambique
Mineral GroupSilicates (Tourmaline Group)
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, lepidolite, beryl
Rarityrare
Description
A collection of vibrant, oval and round cut gemstones, displaying a spectrum of colors including blue, green, pink, and magenta.
Geological Context
Elbaite, a member of the tourmaline group, typically forms in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. Cuprian Elbaite, known as Paraiba tourmaline, derives its vivid colors from trace amounts of copper and manganese, forming in specific pegmatite environments.
