Cruzeiro mine, Sao Jose da Safira, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This Tourmaline crystal has a core of rich cranberry red encased in a teal color (a mix of green with strong blue overtones). The crystal is double terminated. At one end, the crystal is perfectly flat and has a high luster. The other end is composed of multiple, small flat surfaces which have a very thin overlayer of green. The red does not reach either termination and ends 6 mm from the flat termination. This end of the crystal is very clear. The boundary between the red and teal ends at an internal fracture. This is often the case with Tourmalines because the change in the trace metals in the molecular makeup which causes the color change also causes stress on the crystal lattice. There are three other areas of internal fractures further down the crystal. The crystal is in good condition, the most noticeable flaw is a chip on the edge of the flat termination (next to the weight label). There are also some contact planes on the sides of the crystal; one appears to be from a Quartz crystal.

23 x 15 x 11 mm

$250      Click here to order this mineral.