Elbaite

specimen number:
9302339

location:
Kamdesh, Nuristan, Afghanistan

description:

An attractive gemmy color zoned terminated crystal of elbaite. In terrific condition all around.

Kamdesh, located in the rugged mountainous terrain of the Nuristan Province in northeastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan, is the center of one of the world's most renowned gemstone-producing regions. Historically, modern commercial and artisanal extraction in this remote Hindu Kush area gained significant momentum during the latter half of the twentieth century, driven by local miners working high-altitude pegmatite pockets. Geologically, the region is characterized by complex, highly fractionated rare-element pegmatites emplaced within older metamorphic and granitic host rocks. Mineralogically, Kamdesh and nearby valleys like Paprok are world-famous for producing exceptional elbaite crystals, a lithium-bearing tourmaline prized by collectors for its crystal clarity, sharp prismatic terminations, and striking multi-colored zoning, including vibrant green, rich pink, and classic watermelon specimens.

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