**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: Rising like a slender pillar of compressed green light crowned by a dark natural cap, this striking Elbaite Tourmaline expresses the elegant simplicity of pegmatitic crystallisation in one of its most visually arresting forms. At first glance the crystal appears composed and balanced, a slender prism of refined green transparency. Yet once light passes through its body, the mineral awakens, revealing a vivid chromatic intensity that seems to radiate from within the crystal itself. When illuminated with direct or backlit light, the tourmaline undergoes a dramatic optical transformation. What initially presents as a calm, medium green body suddenly ignites into a vibrant chromium green tone, luminous and electric. The colour intensifies rapidly, shifting toward a bright lime green saturation that glows through the crystal like concentrated mineral light. This chromatic behaviour is characteristic of chromium or vanadium bearing elbaite, where trace elements amplify the green response when light penetrates the internal lattice. Rather than appearing uniform, the crystal displays a rich vertical architecture where colour and light interact continuously along the prism. Internal reflections travel through the length of the crystal, guided by the longitudinal growth striations that define the tourmaline structure. Under backlit illumination these striations act almost like optical channels, directing flashes of green light upward along the c axis and giving the impression that luminosity is ascending through the crystal. Morphologically, the specimen presents a classic and well preserved prismatic habit. The crystal is elongated and slender, with clearly defined vertical faces marked by pronounced longitudinal striations that extend continuously along the body. These growth lines are especially visible under grazing light and confirm stable directional crystallisation within a pegmatitic environment. One of the most distinctive characteristics of this specimen is the presence of a natural black cap termination. The dark upper zone forms a striking contrast with the luminous green body below, creating a natural colour transition that enhances the visual identity of the crystal. Such terminations often result from subtle chemical changes during the final stages of crystal growth, when iron rich zones may develop near the termination. The termination itself remains natural and irregular, untouched by polishing or artificial modification. Minor natural surface features and internal growth structures remain visible throughout the crystal, preserving the geological narrative of its formation. The specimen originates from the pegmatitic provinces of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a region historically celebrated for producing some of the world’s most remarkable elbaite tourmalines. These complex pegmatite systems have yielded crystals across an extraordinary chromatic spectrum, with chromium enriched greens such as this representing some of the most vivid and visually responsive material. Despite its compact size, this tourmaline commands remarkable presence. Its slender architecture, black cap contrast and dramatic light activated chromium green make it a crystal whose visual impact far exceeds its dimensions. Specifications: • Weight: 0.22 g • Weight in carats: 1.10 ct • Dimensions: 10 × 3 × 3 mm • Origin: Minas Gerais, Brazil • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal system: Trigonal • Crystal habit: Natural prismatic crystal • Termination: Natural black cap termination with irregular growth surface • Colour: Medium green body with black cap termination • Colour behaviour: Chromium green intensification under direct and backlit illumination • Transparency: Transparent to translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Longitudinal growth striations along prism faces • Treatment: None Notable Points: • Natural Elbaite Tourmaline crystal from Minas Gerais • Distinct black cap termination contrasting with luminous green body • Slender prismatic morphology with strong vertical geometry • Clearly visible longitudinal growth striations along prism faces • Exceptional chromium green colour response under backlit illumination • Strong optical behaviour with vertical internal light transmission • Transparent body allowing vivid colour activation under lighting • Natural irregular termination preserving authentic growth history • Untreated and completely natural specimen • Excellent structural clarity despite compact dimensions • Classic pegmatitic growth features preserved • Strong visual presence relative to its small size Collector’s Interest: For collectors, this specimen offers an elegant combination of morphology, colour dynamics and natural growth features. The black cap termination provides a striking visual contrast while the chromium rich green body displays remarkable optical liveliness under illumination. Small but well formed tourmaline crystals with intact prismatic geometry are consistently sought after, particularly when they exhibit strong chromatic behaviour and preserved growth structures. The presence of a natural cap termination further increases the visual character of the piece. Rather than relying on scale, this crystal distinguishes itself through intensity, clarity and optical response. Lapidary Potential: While the crystal possesses sufficient transparency and chromatic strength to suggest potential for micro faceting, any cutting would inevitably destroy the prismatic morphology, longitudinal striations and natural cap termination that define the mineralogical identity of the specimen. Preserved in its natural crystalline form, the tourmaline expresses both its geological origin and optical behaviour with authenticity and balance. As a natural crystal, it already represents its most complete and meaningful state ————- 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