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 Stak Nala, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistán, Pakistán and joined the Terrium collection in 2001.

Elbaíta Verdelita from Stak Nala, Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistán, Pakistán — Terrium

Description

Slender, elongate prism of translucent light green colour, with marked longitudinal striation and parallel growth on two levels. Natural termination with micro-irregularities and a complete base.

About Elbaíta

Elbaite is a complex lithium-sodium-aluminium borosilicate. It forms elongate prisms with longitudinal striation; lemon-green hues are typical of the Stak Nala pegmatites.

About the locality

Stak Nala is a classic locality in northern Pakistan, known for green elbaite and well-defined parallel growths.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0349
Composition
Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
Name
Elbaíta
Variety
Verdelita
Group
Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
Category
Estélites
Mine
Stak Nala
District / Municipality
Shigar Valley
Province
Skardu District
Region
Gilgit-Baltistán
Country
Pakistán
Size (cm)
2.2 x 0.3 x 0.3
Weight
0.2 g
Acquired
2001
Ex-collection
Diego Navarro
Etymology
From 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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