Elbaite with Quartz

specimen number:
1052199

location:
Mesa Grande, San Diego Co., California, USA

description:
An attractive specimen featuring a pink, mostly gemmy, lustrous, and well terminated crystal of elbaite measuring an impressive 7.0 cm in length, elegantly set upon a partial crystal of slightly smoky to colorless quartz. The elbaite is in good condition, displaying fine transparency, vibrant color, and classic prismatic form, while the quartz, though incomplete on the reverse, provides a natural and complementary matrix. Mesa Grande, in San Diego County, is one of America's most celebrated gem localities, rising to prominence in the late 19th and very early 20th centuries during the famed Southern California tourmaline rush. The pegmatite mines of the district produced world class gem tourmalines that were exported globally, including to the Chinese imperial court, establishing the region's enduring reputation among collectors and gem enthusiasts. This specimen comes with an antique label, as shown at the end of the video, dating it to the very early 20th century, adding both provenance and historical significance. A classic example of California tourmaline, it combines size, gem quality, and historic heritage in one remarkable piece.

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