ELBAITE

Reference: 333

Fine display elbaite specimen from this famous pegmatite area in Minais Gerais. The overall form is very aesthetic with a central elbaite crystal 175mm (7 inch) long supported by numerous smaller crystals all with a light coating of biotite mica and in places, a little clevelandite.  The larger crystals have been  hollowed out either through dissolution or have formed around another mineral that has been etched away and some have then been partially filled with small tuffs of second generation elbaite.  Parallel striations on many faces give a pleasing chatoyant effect to the underlying olive green colour.

Formula: Na(Li_1.5Al_1.5)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)

Status: Sold