Elbaite

specimen number:
2063448

location:
Viitaniemi, Erajarvi, Orivesi, Pirkanmaa, Finland

description:

Lustrous green section of prismatic elbaite laying across a massive quartz matrix. The crystal measures 4.0 x 0.7 x 0.4 cm in size. In good condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Located in the Erajarvi pegmatite area of Orivesi, Finland, the Viitaniemi quarry exposes a complex granitic pegmatite renowned for its exceptional mineralogical diversity and zoned structure. Commercial operations and extensive academic studies beginning in the mid-20th century uncovered a rich array of rare-element minerals, including lithium phosphates, beryl, and complex pegmatite species hosted within ancient Precambrian rocks. The site gained international fame among mineral collectors and researchers for its remarkable phosphate paragenesis, yielding numerous type minerals and pristine crystal specimens. Although active commercial extraction has long since ended, the quarry remains a legendary European locality for systematic mineral collecting and pegmatite research.

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