ELBAITE. Catamarca, Argentina . . ...

Description

ELBAITE
Catamarca, Argentina

That the Catamarca district of Argentina has pegmatites is widely acknowledged, but a diligent search of records has yet to yield reliable photos of Tourmaline from this area, other than black ones. Until relatively recently, the only Argentinian minerals seen in collections were old (80-100 years). Nevertheless, pegmatite minerals have now appeared on the market from this district. In appearance, the single stubby prism is possessed of multiple colors, most of which are variations on a blue theme: light blue, gray, grass green, turquoise blue and, for variety, light pink. There are various inclusions, some of them tube type, and luster is glassy. There is no matrix, and the attachment point shows some re-growth, after being snapped off of the pocket wall during formation. It is in excellent condition with only one very minor nick.
Overall measurements: 1.2 x 2.3 inches (3 x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex. Lloyd Tate Collection
Illustrated: Fong/Walker, M., Neumeier, G., & Walker, J. (Eds.). (2015). The World of Tourmaline: The Gerhard Wagner Collection. Dallas, Texas: Ivy Press. Page 260.

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