Paraiba (cuprian) Tourmaline on Quartz

Item Description

This specimen is a highly unusual example of the rare paraiba-blue tourmaline varietal, on matrix of rough quartz. While not gemmy and glassy, it has moderate luster with the stunning rare color, caused by an unusual cuprian content, at this location; and is displayed so one can see the upright crystal on matrix. The crystal is crudely terminated atop, 2.0 cm tall by 8 mm, and that bright sky-blue Paraiba color can be seen from across a room. More gemmy singles exist, though smaller in size and thin, and not on matrix; so this is a tradeoff of qualities just to have one at all. Jeff Scovil photo. Ex Bob Belcher specimen. Note that the Batalha mine is the original location for Paraiba Blue Tourmaline, also called Cuprian Tourmaline.