Elbaite (1.22g)

specimen number:
1712704

location:
Aricanga mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

description:
A loose sharp glassy and gem terminated crystal of elbaite. Beautiful colors in this one. In great condition and weighs 1.22 g.

The Aricanga Mine, situated in the Guanhaes district of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a celebrated pegmatite locality famous for producing some of the finest blue tourmaline in South America. Geologically, the mine is part of the Eastern Pegmatite Province and exploits a complex, zoned granitic pegmatite body that intrudes into Precambrian schists. The site is particularly renowned for its production of indicolite tourmaline, which often occurs as large, lustrous, deep blue to teal-green crystals with exceptional transparency and complex terminations. Historically, the mine saw its most significant period of activity starting in the late 1960s and continuing through the 1970s, during which time several major pockets were discovered that produced world-class specimens. While operations have fluctuated over the decades based on the discovery of new mineralized zones, it remains a legendary name among collectors for the specific and vibrant shade of blue found in its crystals. Today, the Aricanga Mine is recognized as a classic Brazilian locality that has contributed significantly to the global supply of fine gem tourmaline and aesthetic mineral specimens.

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