**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation only, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. ————— Description: Emerging as a singular geological statement, this exceptional twin Elbaite Tourmaline from the Pech Mine in Afghanistan stands as a rare convergence of symmetry, colour and natural precision. Two crystals, born separately yet grown inseparably, rise together in a unified structure that feels deliberate, almost intentional, as if nature itself had refined the concept of duality into crystalline form. From the first glance, the piece commands attention not through excess, but through balance, authority and depth. The colour is nothing short of extraordinary. A saturated, luminous blue flows through both crystals, rich and concentrated, unmistakably belonging to the highest tier of Afghan tourmaline. This blue is not flat nor uniform. It reveals itself in layers, igniting under light as if the crystal were illuminated from within. The eye follows bands of brilliance that appear to glow by strata, creating a visual rhythm that feels alive, dynamic and endlessly engaging. Both crystals are fully terminated, with natural terminations preserved at the upper and lower extremities. The presence of blue colour zoning at both ends reinforces the rarity of the specimen, giving the impression of a bi terminated chromatic structure where colour anchors the composition from top to base. The prismatic bodies display crisp vertical growth striations, finely drawn and parallel, recording the crystal’s ascent through the pegmatite environment with remarkable clarity. Transparency ranges from transparent to highly translucent, allowing light to penetrate deeply and interact with the internal architecture. As light moves through the crystal, it activates successive internal planes, producing a layered brilliance that shifts subtly with every change in angle. This internal behaviour gives the specimen its most mesmerising quality, a sense that the crystal is never static, never fully revealed in a single glance. Entirely natural, unpolished and untreated, this tourmaline retains its original geological identity in full. Nothing has been altered, nothing enhanced. What remains is a piece of rare coherence, where form, colour and structure converge in a way that places it firmly among serious collector material. Specifications: • Weight: 0.68 g • Weight in carats: 3.40 ct • Dimensions: 17 x 6 x 4 mm • Origin: Pech Mine, Afghanistan • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal habit: Twin prismatic crystals with interpenetrating growth • Termination: Fully terminated natural crystal ends • Colour: Saturated deep blue with layered internal brilliance • Transparency: Transparent to highly translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • True twin formation Two distinct elbaite crystals grown together in a genuine twin structure, sharing growth history rather than forming a casual cluster. This genetic fusion significantly elevates rarity and scientific interest. • Exceptional Afghan blue A deeply saturated blue of high purity and intensity, characteristic of elite material from Afghanistan and rarely seen with this level of consistency across twin crystals. • Bi terminated colour presence Blue colour zoning present at both upper and lower extremities, creating a visually anchored composition that enhances symmetry and perceived value. • Layered internal brilliance Light activates the crystal in successive internal layers, producing a glowing effect that feels stratified rather than surface based, a hallmark of premium tourmaline. • Fully preserved natural terminations Both crystals retain their natural terminations without polishing or repair, maintaining mineralogical integrity and authenticity. • Crisp prismatic morphology Strong vertical striations run cleanly along the prism faces, reinforcing structural elegance and growth clarity. • High transparency and depth Excellent light transmission allows full appreciation of the internal structure without visual blockage or opacity. • Museum level coherence The balance between colour, form and structure places this specimen in a category that appeals to advanced collectors rather than decorative buyers. • Untreated natural state No enhancement, no intervention, no compromise. The specimen remains exactly as it formed underground. Collector’s Interest: For the serious tourmaline collector, this specimen represents an intersection of rarity and refinement that is becoming increasingly elusive. Twin tourmalines of this calibre are seldom encountered, particularly when combined with saturated Afghan blue, full terminations and layered internal brilliance. The Pech Mine is known for producing exceptional material, yet pieces of this structural coherence and visual authority stand well above typical production. This is a crystal that does not rely on size to assert importance. Its value lies in its complexity, its balance and its unmistakable presence. It is the kind of specimen that anchors a collection, not as an accent piece, but as a reference point. Lapidary Potential: While the temptation to explore lapidary possibilities exists due to the intensity of colour and transparency, any cutting would irreversibly diminish the specimen’s rare twin identity and natural architecture. The crystal’s highest and most honest expression lies in its preserved form, where colour zoning, internal brilliance and twin growth remain fully visible and intact. As such, its true value is realised as a natural collector crystal rather than a source of faceted material. ————- 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