Elbaite Tourmaline
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)(Li,Mg,Al)(Al,Fe,Mn)6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4
Chemical Class
Silicates
Properties
Elbaite has four varieties: green, rubelite (rose), indicolite (blue) and achroite (colorless). It has 7.5 hardness, 3.05 to 3.1 density and vitreous gloss. It has longitudinal striations and triangular basal sections.
Origin
Pederneira Mining Reserve Area, São José da Safira, MG.
Curiosities
In Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba tourmalines are mined (in depletion stage), with strong colors, ranging in blue shades, including neon blue and turquoise and violet, unique in the world, cut as gemstones of very high value.
Use
It has been used as a gemstone since the 16th century.
Source: MM Gerdau - Museu das Minas e do Metal -