mineral
Pink tourmaline rough crystals
Elbaite tourmaline, Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically pink to purple with vitreous luster, trigonal prismatic structure, and no prominent cleavage; Mohs hardness 7–7.5, specific gravity about 3.0–3.3. The pieces appear rough and partially fractured, with strong color zoning or inclusions.
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Physical properties
Typically pink to purple with vitreous luster, trigonal prismatic structure, and no prominent cleavage; Mohs hardness 7–7.5, specific gravity about 3.0–3.3. The pieces appear rough and partially fractured, with strong color zoning or inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites when boron-bearing hydrothermal fluids crystallize in cavities, generally during late stages of granite formation. Common sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Mozambique, and California; exact age depends on locality.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone when transparent and well colored, and as attractive mineral specimens; opaque or fractured pieces are commonly sold for collecting, cabochons, or craft use.
Geological facts
Pink elbaite is colored mainly by manganese, while purple tones may involve manganese, iron, or irradiation effects. Tourmaline is strongly pleochroic and can become electrically polarized when heated or compressed (the origin of ‘tourmaline’ electrical demonstrations).
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its pink-purple color, glassy luster, hardness, and characteristic lengthwise striations on crystal faces; quartz is softer and lacks tourmaline’s trigonal prisms. These specimens appear low-transparency rough material, likely worth about $5–$40 for the group, with gem-quality material valued much higher.
