Elbaíta Verdelita
Elbaíta is a mineral with formula Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄, in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Minas Gerais, Sudeste, Brasil and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Small, modest elongated prismatic crystal of elbaite, variety verdelite, with intense, saturated green colour, vitreous lustre and excellent transparency. The piece is aesthetic and well terminated, with sharp faces and an even acicular form.
About Elbaíta
Elbaite is a member of the tourmaline group of cyclosilicates, valued for the diversity and purity of its colours. Verdelite, in particular, is characterised by a range of greens that can vary from pale tones to saturated, deep greens.
About the locality
The Minas Gerais region is one of the world’s most important localities for elbaite, noted for producing prismatic crystals of high transparency and vivid colours, prized in collecting and jewellery.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0154
- Composition
- Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
- Name
- Elbaíta
- Variety
- Verdelita
- Group
- Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
- Category
- Estélites
- Province
- Minas Gerais
- Region
- Sudeste
- Country
- Brasil
- Size (cm)
- 2.7 x 0.3 x 0.2
- Weight
- 1.2 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the toponym "Elba", the Italian island where elbaite was originally identified, and "verdelite" for its characteristic green colour.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
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- Cianita — Brasil
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