TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


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 Minas Gerais, Sudeste, Brasil and joined the Terrium collection in 2021.

Elbaíta Verdelita from Minas Gerais, Sudeste, Brasil — Terrium

Description

Slender, straight prism, deep green and translucent, with pronounced longitudinal striation. Natural termination with minor micro-abrasions and a complete base. Clean appearance and slender proportions.

About Elbaíta

Elbaite is a complex borosilicate of lithium, sodium and aluminium. It forms elongate prisms with longitudinal striation and green hues associated with traces of iron in granitic pegmatites.

About the locality

Minas Gerais is a classic pegmatite region, known for well-formed green tourmalines with high crystal clarity.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0348
Composition
Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
Name
Elbaíta
Variety
Verdelita
Group
Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
Category
Estélites
Province
Minas Gerais
Region
Sudeste
Country
Brasil
Size (cm)
2.4 x 0.6 x 0.4
Weight
1.6 g
Acquired
2021
Ex-collection
Diego Navarro
Etymology
From the German "Turmalin", derived from the Sinhalese "turmali", a name historically applied to mixtures of multicoloured crystals.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

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