**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: Rising in a refined and disciplined prismatic form, this exceptional green Elbaite Tourmaline crystal displays a colour architecture that immediately signals a natural and complex growth history. The crystal opens at the base with a deeper, richer green core, dense and saturated, before transitioning upward into a lighter green zone marked by clear longitudinal zoning. This chromatic progression is sharp yet natural, emphasised by the strong internal structure rather than surface effects. The body of the crystal is defined by pronounced vertical striations running continuously along its length. These growth lines are crisp, parallel, and well preserved, recording the crystal’s development within the pegmatitic environment. The zoning is especially visible through these striations, where darker and lighter green bands interact under light, creating depth and visual rhythm without compromising clarity. The termination is naturally formed and intact, with minor irregularities consistent with authentic growth rather than damage. The crystal’s habit is slender, elongated, and architecturally clean, a morphology strongly associated with high quality elbaite from eastern Afghan pegmatites. Despite its narrow profile, the crystal presents itself as complete and well balanced, reading as a full specimen rather than a broken fragment. This specimen is attributed to Kunar, Afghanistan, a classic locality renowned for producing elongated elbaite tourmalines with pronounced colour zoning and strong longitudinal striations. Material from this region has become increasingly scarce, particularly crystals that retain both termination and coherent zoning. The result is a specimen that carries both geological credibility and refined visual presence. Specifications: • Weight: 0.28 g • Weight in carats: 1.40 ct • Dimensions: 18 × 3 × 3 mm • Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan • Mineral: Elbaite Tourmaline • Crystal habit: Natural prismatic crystal with strong vertical growth striations • Termination: Natural termination, well preserved • Colour: Rich green with distinct longitudinal zoning • Transparency: Translucent to transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Condition and treatment: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Clear longitudinal colour zoning from a deeper green base to lighter green upper sections • Strong, sharply defined vertical striations across multiple crystal faces • Slender prismatic habit with excellent proportional balance • Natural termination consistent with unaltered pegmatitic growth • Visual depth created by internal zoning rather than surface effects • Morphology fully consistent with classic Kunar elbaite material • Clean presentation without matrix or secondary mineral interference • Increasing rarity of intact tourmaline crystals from Kunar pegmatites • Strong photographic impact due to colour contrast and geometry • Geological clarity reflecting slow, stable crystallisation conditions • Well preserved crystal integrity for size and locality • A specimen that balances mineralogical value with aesthetic appeal Collector’s Interest: For tourmaline collectors, Kunar elbaite holds a distinct identity defined by elongated habits, disciplined striations, and expressive zoning. This specimen captures those traits with precision. The contrast between the darker basal green and lighter upper zoning gives the crystal a natural visual hierarchy, while its intact termination reinforces its authenticity. As complete crystals from Kunar become harder to source, examples like this stand out for their coherence, form, and unmistakable geological character. Lapidary Potential: While best preserved as a natural specimen, the internal transparency and zoning suggest selective lapidary potential if carefully planned. Any cutting would need to respect the longitudinal colour structure and natural striations, favouring small stones that showcase zoning rather than uniform colour. Nevertheless, the primary value of this crystal lies in its intact form, where its growth history remains fully visible. ————- 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