Elbaite with Lepidolite
stock #15.1-1008-(CN520)
Virgem do Lapa
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
6.8 x 1.6 x 1.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $690
Spring 2020
A doubly terminated gem Elbaite crystal is partly wrapped in a "cloak" of Lepidolite. The Tourmaline color is a mix of green and blue hues, it is zoned but not sharply, the colors grade together gradually. In excellent condition there is no naked eye visible damage or chipping on the Elbaite. With strong magnification two very slight nicks (under 0.5mm) can be found, this is essentially perfect. The "bottom" termination is a flat basal type while the top is a stacked series of angled faces. Especially pretty with backlight, the association with the sparkling Lepidolite makes a nice contrast. Ex Charles M. Noll collection, 18.7 grams
Lepidolite on Clevlandite
stock #16.1-569
Virgem do Lapa
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
5 x 4.1 x 2 CM (miniature)
price: $130
An unusual yet attractive Lepidolite, with color and form that is not at all typical. From the great Pegmatite deposits of Virgem da Lapa, ex. Leoben collection. The Lepidolites are in thin stacks of diverging crystals in clusters having a Orange to Pink color. The matrix is white to colorless Clevelandite in crystals and massive plates. Lepidolite is one of the most attractive Mica minerals often taking many diverse forms and vibrant colors. A choice miniature.
Elbaite - "cat's eye ' Toumaline
stock #AX-7-540
Virgem do Lapa
Minas Gerais,
Brazil
9.1 x 2.8 x 1.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $775
Spring 2019
Silky "catseye" luster in these bi-color crystals makes a complex but impressive cluster. Most every crystal in this specimen is doubly terminated with one end pointed the other a flat basal termination. In impressive condition this is an older (25 years plus) Brazilian gem. The darkest colored areas are mostly opaque but the majority of the prisms are translucent and on thin edges transparent. With backlighting the crystals all show several areas of zoning, but in normal display these seem to have two main zones and silky texture is pronounced. Most of the faces have many tiny acicular crystals attached at jumbled angles, adding a nice sparkle in person. The longest crystal in this cluster is 8.5 CM. An excellent example of this style and habit not often available.
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