Elbaite with Lepidolite

specimen number:
8311466

location:
Himalaya Mine, San Diego Co., California, USA

description:

Very attractive grouping of gemmy pink elbaite crystals with lepidolite. In super condition. Beautiful combination specimen.

The Himalaya Mine, situated at Mesa Grande in San Diego County, California, is one of the most prolific gemstone deposits in North America. Geologically, it is located within a classic granitic pegmatite dike system of the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, where hydrothermal pockets in the late-stage cooling of the magma allowed for the growth of exceptional crystals. The mine is world-renowned for elbaite, a species of the tourmaline group, which occurs there in a stunning array of colors, most notably as bi-colored pink and green "watermelon" crystals and elongated, gem-quality prisms. Historically, mining and quarrying at the site began in 1898 after its discovery by indigenous peoples and subsequent promotion by Gail Lewis. The most significant period of operation occurred between 1902 and 1912, during which time the mine was a primary supplier of pink tourmaline to the Empress Dowager Cixi of China. Following several decades of intermittent activity, the mine saw a major resurgence in the late 20th century under the direction of Pala International and later High Desert Gems.

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