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

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

Five-Stone Gala Band (5mm gems) Oval Red Garnet Sterling Silver Ring with Rhodolite Garnet & Pink Tourmaline
Five oval gemstones shine in this modern band, handcrafted in your choice of gems and metals.Only $211.00 at

Five-Stone Gala Band (5mm gems) Oval Red Garnet Sterling Silver Ring with Rhodolite Garnet & Pink Tourmaline
$211.00

Written in the Stars Ring Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
Two glittering gemstones and numerous star etchings rest atop the hollowed upper band of this gleaming ring, designed for the stargazers among us.Only $162.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Pink Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
$162.00

Written in the Stars Ring Round Fire Opal 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 $157.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Fire Opal Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline
$157.00

Sterling Silver Multi-Color Tourmaline Swan Ring Jewelry
This Ring was handmade by a master artisan and is one of a kind.Only $136.49 at

Sterling Silver Multi-Color Tourmaline Swan Ring Jewelry
$136.49

Double Embrace Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
Two, 4mm round-cut gemstones are held in the curve of this stunning, contemporary design. Choose your gems and metal.Only $204.00 at

Double Embrace Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
$204.00

Written in the Stars Ring Round Tanzanite 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 $151.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Tanzanite Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline
$151.00

Brilliant Solitaire Earrings Round Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Earrings with Pink Tourmaline
These classic earrings are as versatile as studs but sit below the ear, so they are comfortable to wear even when you are talking on the phone. An accent gem adds extra brilliance.Only $480.00 at

Brilliant Solitaire Earrings Round Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Earrings with Pink Tourmaline
$480.00

Triple Twist Earrings Round Aquamarine Sterling Silver Earrings with Rhodolite Garnet & Green Tourmaline
A Mobius strip of precious metal curves around three gemstones in a versatile and chic earring style.Only $496.00 at

Triple Twist Earrings Round Aquamarine Sterling Silver Earrings with Rhodolite Garnet & Green Tourmaline
$496.00

Two Hearts Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $200.00 at

Two Hearts Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
$200.00

Quintessence Ring Round Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
Five sparkling gems cover the finger with brilliance in this classic style that is a Gemvara Essential.Only $167.00 at

Quintessence Ring Round Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Ring with Green Tourmaline & Blue Topaz
$167.00

Three-Gem Heart Charm Round Pink Tourmaline 14K White Gold Charm with Smoky Quartz & Citrine
Three years? Three birthstones? You choose the gems, the meaning behind them, and the precious metal, and we'll handcraft this charm just for you. We also offer charm bracelets, and, if you'd prefer to create a charm necklace, you can order a chain by...Only $427.00 at

Three-Gem Heart Charm Round Pink Tourmaline 14K White Gold Charm with Smoky Quartz & Citrine
$427.00

Lover's Knot Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Pink Tourmaline
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 $194.00 at

Lover's Knot Ring Sterling Silver Ring with Amethyst & Pink Tourmaline
$194.00

Emerald-Cut Solitaire Pendant Emerald-Cut Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace
Elegant ice: the brilliant geometry of the emerald-cut adds refinement to this classic solitaire style.Only $261.00 at

Emerald-Cut Solitaire Pendant Emerald-Cut Green Tourmaline Sterling Silver Necklace
$261.00

Rhone Band (3mm gem) Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Rock Crystal
Seven, 3mm round-cut gemstones gleam and flow along the channel of this sleek, modern band.Only $194.00 at

Rhone Band (3mm gem) Sterling Silver Ring with Pink Tourmaline & Rock Crystal
$194.00

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