**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————- Description: Like a column of mineral light rising through the Earth, this exceptional Elbaite Tourmaline crystal records its own growth history in colour. From base to termination, the crystal reveals a disciplined vertical progression of tones, as if the pegmatite itself had gradually shifted its voice while the crystal was forming. At the base, the tourmaline opens in a grounded green, slightly warmer and more mineral in character, anchored visually by its natural albite matrix. This lower zone reflects an early growth stage, richer and denser in tone. Moving upward along the prism, the colour cools and lightens, transitioning into a clearer, fresher green before finally resolving at the termination into a distinctly greenish blue hue, where blue becomes dominant over green. This chromatic evolution is axial, not radial. It follows the c axis faithfully, creating a readable vertical zoning that documents subtle chemical changes during crystallisation. The result is a natural gradient rather than a uniform colour block, giving the crystal depth, movement and geological coherence. The prism is sharply defined, with strong longitudinal growth striations running uninterrupted around the crystal, confirming stable directional growth. The termination is fully preserved and perfectly formed, closing the growth sequence without break or damage. Under light, the crystal shows layered internal structure, with natural growth features that enhance, rather than obscure, the colour progression. At the lower section, the presence of a pure white albite association further anchors the specimen in its pegmatitic origin, providing both geological context and visual contrast. This untouched relationship between crystal and matrix confirms the specimen’s natural state and field integrity. This is not a homogeneous green tourmaline, nor a colour defined variety. It is a chemically zoned Elbaite crystal, whose value lies in its structure, clarity of growth record and balanced transition from green to greenish blue. A specimen that speaks quietly, but with precision. Specifications: • Weight: 0.64 g • Weight in carats: 3.20 ct • Dimensions: 9 × 6 × 5 mm • Origin: Água Branca, Paraíba, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal system: Trigonal • Crystal habit: Natural prismatic crystal • Termination: Present and perfectly preserved • Colour: Green to greenish blue • Colour zoning: Axial zoning from greener base to greenish blue termination • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Matrix: Albite (cleavelandite) • Treatment: None Notable Points: • Complete natural Elbaite Tourmaline crystal • Perfectly preserved prismatic habit with intact termination • Strong and continuous longitudinal growth striations • Clear axial colour zoning along the c axis • Base shows warmer green tones transitioning upward • Upper section displays dominant greenish blue coloration • Colour gradient reflects chemical evolution during growth • Internal growth features remain natural and readable • Albite matrix confirms pegmatitic environment • No polishing, cutting or surface enhancement • No artificial colour modification • Structurally coherent and visually balanced specimen Collector’s Interest: This specimen appeals to collectors who value growth history over saturation. The readable axial zoning, combined with a perfect termination and preserved matrix, makes it a technically satisfying crystal rather than a purely decorative one. Elbaites showing a clean green to greenish blue transition without cutting are increasingly difficult to find, especially in fully terminated form. This piece offers both educational clarity and aesthetic restraint, rewarding close inspection and long term appreciation. Lapidary Potential: While cutting could theoretically yield small faceted material, any intervention would destroy the vertical zoning that defines the specimen. The crystal’s true value lies in its intact form, where colour progression, habit and termination remain unified. As a natural crystal specimen, it represents its highest and most honest expression. ————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals