Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Identity HelpElbaite

2nd Sep 2013 21:34 UTCA. A. Faller

02823010017071546248196.jpg

03946250017071546243471.jpg

03974940015999142529232.jpg



I want to post this photo to my gallery, but am a bit uncomfortable now with both the labeled variety of tourmaline it was sold as, as well as the incomplete locality info. The label read: ELBAITE (with muscovite), TAQUARAL, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL. The entire crystal is pinkish-red; no green. I acquired it at a show here in the States about 25 years ago. Photos were taken in daylight (not direct sun).


This crystal measures 47.1 mm x 29.1 x 23 mm.


Any of the Brazilian experts able to assist?

AAF

3rd Sep 2013 04:40 UTCJim Bean 🌟

Hi A.A,

I would label it tourmaline with albite var. clevelandite, although elbaite would be OK as well. Elbaite can be green, a lot of the gem tourmaline from Elba is green, for example. Calling it plain old tourmaline eliminates all the varietal confusion.

Very nice specimen by the way!

3rd Sep 2013 05:55 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

The species of a tourmaline specimen cannot be accurately accessed by visual inspection (especially color) only. For example your elbaite might have so much iron as to be black (or black-ish). To add complexity, the terms used by the gem people aren't always the same as the terms used by the mineral people. On top of that, the composition may vary in zones within the crystal.


So Jim is right on this one. Call it tourmaline and you won't be wrong.

3rd Sep 2013 08:36 UTCLuiz Alberto Dias Menezes, Fo.

It is possible that this tourmaline came from Taquaral district, Itinga, Minas Gerais; the more likely candidate would be Urubú mine, because it has produced on the past several pockets containing pale pink, pale green or pale bicolor crystals (pale pink/pale green, normally with the warrmelon feature: pink core, green cast); the Urubu pegmatite is not weathered, so the tourmaline crystals were often found associated with cleavelandite, like on your crystal.

3rd Sep 2013 16:09 UTCA. A. Faller

Luiz:

Sincerest thanks. Info like that provides me with a perspective I wouldn't otherwise possess...

AAF
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: April 25, 2024 05:08:11
Go to top of page