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\"Blue Cap\" Elbaite Tourmaline
Sapo Mine, Ferruginha, Consolheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 cm - 34.5 grams / 172.5 carats
This Blue Cap Tourmaline crystal was unearthed at the legendary Sapo Mine, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It\'s a stout, sharp, and well-formed single crystal measuring approximately 3.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 cm, and weighing 34.5 grams.
It\'s a classic \"watermelon\" tourmaline, with a thin green rind and a pink core. It exhibits horizontal color banding, from pink throughout the majority of the crystal to a hazy, near colorless Achroite zone that quickly transitions to a blue cap at the flat termination. With sufficient backlighting, the hazy near colorless zone displays a yellow-green hue, electric blue around the termination.
The crystal lacks any notable surface damage in the form of chipping or any other imperfections effected by the process of mining. It does exhibit significant internal fracturing, which occurred naturally within the pocket while the crystal formed- a common trait in Elbaite Tourmaline crystals due to the ways the elements that contribute to the properties of the crystals react to environmental influences during the processes of formation. In this case, some of those processes created a subsurface layer that produces chatoyancy- an optical phenomenon where a narrow, luminous band of reflected light moves across the surface of a material as the light source, the stone, or the viewer shifts- it\'s quite mesmerizing to observe!
These crystals from the Sapo Mine are highly-prized by collectors and have become increasingly difficult to find available, and when they do pop up for sale, they demand premium prices. This is a relatively large one, too, which are much more scarce than small crystals.
Please be sure to check out the video for a comprehensive view of the crystal. The video was shot within a light box with LED lighting positioned to illuminate the crystal and show its colors.
The crystal will be packed securely and shipped with insurance for the full purchase amount. A signature will be required for delivery.
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