gemstone

Colorless tourmaline (probably elbaite)

Elbaite, Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale, transparent-to-translucent oval cut stone with visible inclusions; tourmaline has Mohs hardness 7–7.5, vitreous luster, and trigonal crystals with no distinct cleavage. Identification from the photo is tentative; the stone could be another colorless gem.

Identified October 11, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Elbaite crystallizes in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites and related hydrothermal settings; such deposits range from ancient to geologically recent.

Uses & applications

Faceted tourmaline is used in jewelry and collected as a gemstone; industrial use is limited.

Geological facts

Tourmaline crystals can be strongly pleochroic, showing different colors from different viewing directions; colorless material is uncommon.

Field identification & locations

Tourmaline commonly occurs in Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Madagascar, and the United States. Confirm identity with gemological testing, since a photo cannot distinguish it reliably from other colorless stones.