THE MINERAL ELBAITE

Elbaite belongs to the group of minerals known as the Tourmalines. It is the most colorful member of this group. Elbaite is often cut as a gemstone, sliced into colorful cross-sections or simply appreciated as natural specimens by millions of rock collectors. The many varied colors of Elbaite make it arguably the most colorful of the precious stones. Elbaite contains many variety names based on color. A beautiful blue variety is called indicolite (also known as indigolite), the pink to red variety is called rubellite, the green variety is known as verdelite, while the most famous variety is a pink and green combination called watermelon tourmaline. Often a specimen can have more than one color zone in the same crystal. These zones can alternate in color from the inside to the outside or from the top to bottom. Elbaite is strongly pleochroic which means that a transparent crystal will appear darker when viewed down the long axis of the crystal. A green or blue Elbaite can appear black when viewed from such an angle.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is extremely variable with the most common colors being red, pink, green, blue, orange and yellow.
• Luster is vitreous.
• Transparency: Crystals are transparent to translucent.
• Crystal System: Trigonal; 3 m
• Crystal Habit is typically elongated three, and occasionally six, sided prisms. The terminations can be either a simple to complex trigonal pyramid or flat basal face. The prism faces are striated lengthwise. In cross section, all tourmalines will appear predominantly triangular in shape with some crystals showing a hexagon when three secondary prism faces are nearly as dominant as the three primary prism faces. Doubly terminated crystals are hemimorphic meaning that the two ends of the crystal are not exactly alike. The terminations on a doubly terminated crystal can have different slants to the pyramids on opposite ends. Acicular and massive forms can also be found.
• Cleavage is absent although there is basal parting.
• Fracture is uneven to conchoidal.
• Hardness is 7 - 7.5
• Specific Gravity is 3.0+ (average)
• Streak is white.
• Other Characteristics: Refractive indices = 1.62 and 1.68 .
• Associated Minerals include those minerals associated with granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks such as micas, feldspars, quartz and even other gem minerals such as beryl, garnets, spodumene and topaz.
• Notable Occurrences include the San Diego, California area; Brazil; Elba, Italy (where Elbaite gets its name); Sri Lanka; Pakistan; Maine, USA and Russia as well as many others.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, triangular cross-section, color and hardness.

For Tourmaline Jewelry, see --> TOURMALINE JEWELRY

Tourmaline Jewelry - Hover over an item for more information

Quintessence Ring Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Rose Quartz & Rock Crystal
Five sparkling gems cover the finger with brilliance in this classic style that is a Gemvara Essential.Only $158.00 at

Quintessence Ring Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Rose Quartz & Rock Crystal
$158.00

3 Stone Tourmaline Watermelon Sterling Silver Ring
3 Stone Tourmaline Watermelon Sterling Silver Ring. High quality sterling silver ring.Metal:˙Silver .925Size:˙All sizes are available. If not we resize them for free of charge.Metal Finish:˙RhodiumStone/s:˙Watermelon Tourmaline + Simulated...Only $213.20 at

3 Stone Tourmaline Watermelon Sterling Silver Ring
$213.20

Ross-Simons 22.00 ct. t.w. Multi-Gem Bracelet in 14kt Yellow Gold. 7.25"
This 22.00 ct. t.w. multi-gem bracelet has enough variety and color to accompany just about any ensemble without being overpowering. We just love the dangling briolettes, which add such a dressy touch to the piece. And the combination of pink...Only $206.25 at

Ross-Simons 22.00 ct. t.w. Multi-Gem Bracelet in 14kt Yellow Gold. 7.25"
$206.25

Written in the Stars Ring Round Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline
Two glittering gemstones and numerous star etchings rest atop the hollowed upper band of this gleaming ring, designed for the stargazers among us.Only $144.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Citrine Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline
$144.00

Lover's Knot Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Amethyst
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $193.00 at

Lover's Knot Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Amethyst
$193.00

Treble Clef Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Pink Tourmaline
This graceful pendant with a sparkling gemstone celebrates the joy that music brings to our lives.Only $182.00 at

Treble Clef Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Pink Tourmaline
$182.00

Classic 5mm Stud Earrings Round Green Tourmaline 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
The wear-with-everything, never-take-them-off classic stud earring, in a classic 5mm size that's about a half-carat per ear, depending on the gem you choose.Only $417.00 at

Classic 5mm Stud Earrings Round Green Tourmaline 14K Yellow Gold Earrings
$417.00

Star Flower Earrings Sterling Silver Earrings with Green Tourmaline
These five petal star-shaped flower earrings add the perfect feminine note to casual or tailored outfits.Only $430.00 at

Star Flower Earrings Sterling Silver Earrings with Green Tourmaline
$430.00

Anytime Heart Charm Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace with Emerald & Diamond
This pretty little heart pendant is perfect for any and every occasion.Only $263.00 at

Anytime Heart Charm Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace with Emerald & Diamond
$263.00

Modern Flower Ring Round Aquamarine Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline
Six, sparkling petals surround a seventh round-cut stone. The bezel setting gives a stylish, modern feel to a classic, star-shaped flower ring.Only $185.00 at

Modern Flower Ring Round Aquamarine Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline
$185.00

Five-Stone Artisan Band (2.5mm gems) Princess Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz
Five princess-cut gemstones shine in this modern band, handcrafted in your choice of gems and metals.Only $169.00 at

Five-Stone Artisan Band (2.5mm gems) Princess Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz
$169.00

Modern Flower Ring Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Peridot
Six, sparkling petals surround a seventh round-cut stone. The bezel setting gives a stylish, modern feel to a classic, star-shaped flower ring.Only $205.00 at

Modern Flower Ring Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Peridot
$205.00

Emerald Cut Watermelon Tourmaline Ring
Emerald Cut Watermelon Tourmaline Ring. High quality sterling silver ring.Metal:˙Silver .925Size:˙All sizes are available. If not we resize them for free of charge.Metal Finish:˙RhodiumStone/s:˙Watermelon Tourmaline 12 mm x 10 mm + Simulated...Only $192.40 at

Emerald Cut Watermelon Tourmaline Ring
$192.40

Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Silver Ring
Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Silver Ring. Very high quality handmade simulated dazzling diamonds and watermelon tourmaline gemstone, beautiful design and gorgeous look, you will fall in love with this ring.Metal:˙Silver .925Size:˙All sizes are...Only $192.40 at

Watermelon Tourmaline Emerald Cut Silver Ring
$192.40

Stacks and Stones Sterling Sterling Silver Pink Tourmaline Stack Ring
Delightful and dazzling. This pink tourmaline stack ring sparkles with chic style. For an extra touch of shine, wear this sterling silver ring with a second stack ring.Only $90.00 at

Stacks and Stones Sterling Sterling Silver Pink Tourmaline Stack Ring
$90.00

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