mineral

Pink tourmaline in quartz (likely lepidolite-bearing quartz)

Elbaite tourmaline, Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4, in quartz (SiO2); possible muscovite/lepidolite mica

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished hexagonal point with pale gray-white translucent quartz and vivid pink to magenta inclusions; vitreous luster and tourmaline’s trigonal crystal structure. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; tourmaline is about 7–7.5, with no obvious cleavage and moderate-to-high specific gravity.

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Pink tourmaline in quartz (likely lepidolite-bearing quartz)
Scientific name: Elbaite tourmaline, Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4, in quartz (SiO2); possible muscovite/lepidolite mica
Category: mineral
Identified: August 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $15–$60 for a common polished point; $75–$250 or more for large, strongly colored, well-identified material.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in lithium- and boron-rich granite pegmatites when late hydrothermal fluids crystallized tourmaline and quartz, commonly during the Precambrian to Phanerozoic. The exact locality and age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative crystal, lapidary point, and collector specimen; gem-quality pink tourmaline is cut for jewelry, while quartz-tourmaline masses are mainly ornamental.

Geological facts

Pink coloration in elbaite is commonly caused by manganese. The specimen appears polished and shaped rather than naturally terminated, and may include pale mica or feldspar in addition to quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by pink prismatic tourmaline inclusions, glassy quartz, hardness, and lack of reaction to dilute acid; a microscope or chemical testing is needed to separate tourmaline from pink mica or dyed material. Common sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, and California.