Elbaíta Verdelita
Elbaíta is a mineral with formula Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄, in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Otjua Mine, Karibib, Erongo, Erongo Region, Namibia and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Very thin prismatic crystal with an almost square cross-section, intense green colour and excellent transparency in transmitted light. Minimalist aesthetics.
About Elbaíta
Elbaite is a complex borosilicate of lithium, sodium and aluminium belonging to the tourmaline group. It forms elongate prismatic crystals with striation parallel to the long axis; green hues are commonly due to traces of iron or chromium.
About the locality
Otjua Mine, in the Erongo Region, has produced very fine, transparent green tourmalines, known for their slender silhouette and well-defined natural terminations.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0316
- Composition
- Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
- Name
- Elbaíta
- Variety
- Verdelita
- Group
- Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
- Category
- Estélites
- Mine
- Otjua Mine
- District / Municipality
- Karibib
- Province
- Erongo
- Region
- Erongo Region
- Country
- Namibia
- Size (cm)
- 5.8 x 0.4 x 0.3
- Weight
- 1.2 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese "turmali", a trade name used by European merchants for mixed stones from Ceylon.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
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- Boltwoodita — Namibia
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