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, translucent prism of very pale green, with fine longitudinal striation and clean faces. Irregular but natural termination, with good transparency and slight internal inclusions visible in transmitted light.

About Elbaíta

Pale green elbaite typical of Brazilian granitic pegmatites, a member of the lithium-rich tourmaline subgroup.

About the locality

Classic pegmatite province with abundant tourmalines in every green shade, famed for fine, transparent crystals.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0359
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)
1 x 0.4 x 0.4
Weight
0.1 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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