Imperial Red Elbaite Tourmaline · 1.05 ct • Museum Grade Specimen - Height: 10 mm - Width: 4 mm- 0.21 g - (1)

**Complimentary Specimens**
As a gesture of appreciation, every winning lot above €50 will include one extra mineral, added entirely free of charge.
For each additional €50, another complimentary specimen will be added.

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Description:
Rising with quiet authority, this exceptional Elbaite Tourmaline crystal presents a deeply saturated red body colour, vivid and alive, with a subtle yet unmistakable bluish termination crowning its upper face. This delicate chromatic contrast elevates the specimen beyond a simple crystal, giving it the unmistakable presence of a museum grade piece, where natural aesthetics and geological rarity converge.

The crystal displays well-defined prismatic striations running vertically along its length, catching the light and enhancing its internal glow. Under neutral daylight, the red tone remains intense and pure, while the faint blue nuance at the apex reveals itself only upon closer observation, rewarding attentive collectors with a refined and rare visual detail. Such colour zoning is highly sought after within tourmaline specimens and is seldom encountered in crystals of this integrity.

Sourced from one of the most prestigious tourmaline regions in the world, this Afghan Elbaite stands as a testament to the remarkable mineral wealth of the Paprok area, Nuristan Province. Despite its modest size, the crystal possesses a commanding presence, defined by its lustre, colour purity and specimen character, making it equally compelling for advanced collectors and discerning lapidary visionaries.

Specifications:
Weight: 0.21 g
Weight in carats: 1.05 ct
Dimensions: 10 × 4 mm
Origin: Paprok area, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
Mineral species: Tourmaline
Variety: Elbaite
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystal
Termination: Partially terminated with natural apex
Colour: Intense red with subtle blue termination
Lustre: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent

Notable Points:
This crystal exhibits a rare and visually striking colour combination, where a saturated red body is complemented by a discreet blue termination, a feature highly prized among tourmaline collectors. The prismatic structure is clean and expressive, with natural growth textures that reinforce its authenticity and specimen value. Its overall balance of colour, form and lustre firmly places it within the museum grade category.

Collector’s Interest:
Afghan Elbaite tourmalines from Nuristan are internationally recognised for their vivid colours and refined crystal habits. Specimens showing natural colour zoning, particularly red with blue terminations, are scarce and increasingly difficult to source. This piece represents a strong opportunity for collectors seeking rarity, provenance and visual distinction in a compact yet powerful specimen.

Lapidary Interest:
While preserved as a specimen, this crystal also holds potential interest for expert lapidaries attracted to its colour intensity and unique zoning. Any lapidary consideration would require careful planning to respect the crystal’s natural character, making it suitable only for advanced and selective cutting projects.

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Photography and transparency:
All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance.

Shipping and handling:
Orders are carefully prepared, with each stone individually protected and placed in a secure rigid box to ensure safe delivery. Shipments are made within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation, always with a tracking number provided to the buyer. Each order is handled with professional care from selection to dispatch, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy process.

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 a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals