You are looking at a natural, un-cut, and polished crystal of multi-colored Elbaite tourmaline from Afghanistan, characterized by a distinct blue "cap" on one end. Weighing 12 grams (approximately 60 carats) and measuring 26x16x14mm, this is a substantial and attractive collector's piece where the value lies in its natural crystal form and stunning color zoning.
Detailed Breakdown of the Description
1. "Blue Cap Tourmaline"
This is the key feature and the reason for the specimen's appeal.
· What it is: The crystal started growing in one chemical environment (likely rich in iron) that produced a blue or bluish-green color. As it grew, the chemical conditions in the pegmatite changed, and the crystal continued to form in a different color—most commonly green, pink, or even colorless.
Blue (Indicolite) Cap → Green (Verdelite) Middle → Pink (Rubellite) Base
· Or, Blue Cap → Colorless (Achroite) → Pink Base
This multi-color nature makes it significantly more valuable and interesting than a single-color crystal.
What You're Really Getting:
A display-quality mineral specimen that showcases one of the most spectacular phenomena in the gem world: chemical zoning in tourmaline. It's a piece of natural art and a scientific curiosity.
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