mineral
Pink tourmaline (likely rough crystal)
Elbaite, Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₄
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPink, elongated prismatic crystal with a glassy luster; tourmaline is trigonal, has Mohs hardness 7–7.5, and lacks prominent cleavage. The image alone does not confirm its identity or internal quality.
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Physical properties
Pink, elongated prismatic crystal with a glassy luster; tourmaline is trigonal, has Mohs hardness 7–7.5, and lacks prominent cleavage. The image alone does not confirm its identity or internal quality.
Formation & geological history
Elbaite typically crystallizes in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites as magma cools and volatile-rich fluids concentrate; such deposits span many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality material is cut for jewelry; lower-grade crystals are collected as mineral specimens, and tourmaline is also used in limited electronic applications.
Geological facts
Tourmaline crystals can show strong color zoning, including pink-and-green “watermelon” varieties.
Field identification & locations
Look for a long, striated prism and triangular or rounded-triangular cross-section; common sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States. The pictured pink, translucent-looking piece is consistent with tourmaline, but a photo cannot rule out other minerals.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous