Description: An exceptionally elegant multi crystal elbaite tourmaline aggregate displaying luminous vivid aqua green colouration with remarkable optical behaviour under direct illumination. Rising vertically in a parallel arrangement of naturally fused prisms, this specimen presents a refined architectural structure where transparency, colour saturation and crystal geometry coexist in unusual harmony. The aggregate is composed of five distinct elongated prismatic crystals emerging from a shared base in a compact yet highly expressive formation. Each prism develops with strong vertical continuity and sharply defined longitudinal striations, preserving the characteristic growth textures associated with lithium rich pegmatitic elbaite. The arrangement creates a natural stepped composition, almost resembling a miniature crystalline skyline sculpted through uninterrupted geological growth. The dominant body colour is a vivid aqua green with subtle seafoam and blue green undertones. Rather than presenting the intense neon saturation typical of copper bearing Paraíba tourmaline, this crystal displays a cooler and more refined chromatic balance, where transparency and internal luminosity become the defining visual elements. The colour remains highly stable throughout the aggregate, producing a coherent and visually unified structure. One of the most fascinating aspects of this specimen is its reaction to direct transmitted light. Under frontal or overhead illumination, the lower sections of the crystals ignite into bright lime green internal luminescence, creating an almost electric glow within the transparent zones. This optical transformation generates a striking contrast between the calm aqua exterior and the vivid internal green radiance, giving the specimen an unusually dynamic visual presence depending on lighting conditions. The transparency is notably high for a cluster formation of this size. Light penetrates deeply into the prisms, revealing internal growth channels, subtle veils and natural linear inclusions aligned with the crystallographic axis. These internal structures remain delicate and unobtrusive, preserving the clarity and brightness of the crystals while simultaneously confirming their natural geological origin. The terminations are natural and partially irregular, maintaining the authenticity of the growth process. Rather than diminishing the piece, these variations reinforce its mineralogical honesty and highlight the individuality of each prism within the aggregate. The vertical faces remain sharply preserved, with strong vitreous reflections that become particularly intense along the striated surfaces under direct light. Based on the morphology, chromatic profile and overall growth habit, the specimen is highly consistent with elbaite tourmalines originating from the pegmatitic deposits of Nuristan, Afghanistan, particularly material associated with the Laghman region and neighbouring pegmatite systems historically known for producing transparent blue green and aqua toned elbaite clusters of exceptional delicacy. Afghanistan has become one of the most important modern sources of fine elbaite tourmaline, particularly from the mountainous pegmatite fields of Nuristan. Crystals from this region are celebrated for their transparency, elongated geometry and refined cool toned colour palette, often displaying luminous internal behaviour rarely observed in more saturated but less transparent material from other localities. This specimen does not rely on size for its impact. Its strength lies in proportion, transparency, structural elegance and the exceptional interaction between colour and light. It is a crystal aggregate that rewards close observation, transforming continuously depending on illumination and viewing angle while preserving a remarkably balanced natural form. Specifications: • Weight: 0.48 g • Weight in carats: 2.40 ct • Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 5 mm • Origin: Laghman Region, Nuristan, Afghanistan • Mineral species: Tourmaline • Variety: Elbaite • Crystal habit: Multi crystal parallel prismatic aggregate • Number of visible crystals: Five intergrown prisms • Termination: Natural partially irregular terminations • Colour: Vivid aqua green with seafoam blue green nuances • Optical effect: Bright lime green internal luminescence under direct transmitted light • Transparency: Transparent to translucent • Lustre: Strong vitreous • Crystal system: Trigonal • Formation environment: Lithium rich granitic pegmatite • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural untreated crystal aggregate NOTABLE POINTS: • Multi crystal architecture Naturally formed aggregate composed of five vertically intergrown prismatic crystals with elegant parallel development • Vivid aqua green colouration Highly luminous aqua green body colour with refined seafoam and blue green tonal variations • Dynamic light interaction Direct illumination produces intense lime green internal glow within the transparent lower crystal sections • Exceptional transparency Light penetrates deeply into the prisms revealing internal growth structures and crystalline depth • Strong longitudinal striations Well preserved vertical growth lines extending continuously along the prism faces • Harmonious stepped formation The varying crystal heights create a naturally balanced and visually architectural composition • Natural untreated state No cutting, enhancement or artificial treatment of any kind • Pegmatitic growth authenticity Internal veils, channels and inclusions fully coherent with natural pegmatitic crystallisation • High vitreous lustre Bright reflective surfaces particularly visible under direct point illumination • Delicate chromatic balance Colour positioned between aqua, seafoam green and blue green without excessive saturation • Optical transformation under lighting The specimen changes dramatically depending on illumination angle and intensity. • Refined Afghan morphology Crystal habit highly consistent with classic Nuristan and Laghman elbaite material • Compact yet visually powerful Strong display impact despite miniature dimensions • Rare transparent cluster formation Transparent multi crystal aggregates of this clarity are considerably less common than isolated fragments • Collector grade aesthetic presence An unusually photogenic and structurally elegant miniature specimen COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: Transparent multi crystal elbaite aggregates displaying vivid aqua green colouration are significantly rarer than standard single crystal fragments commonly encountered in the gem trade. Most material extracted from Afghan pegmatites is either broken during recovery or selected primarily for faceting purposes, making naturally balanced miniature clusters increasingly difficult to obtain. This specimen is particularly attractive because it combines several highly desirable characteristics simultaneously: parallel crystal growth, strong transparency, luminous cool toned colouration and dynamic optical response under transmitted light. The internal lime green glow generated during illumination gives the piece a distinctly alive appearance rarely observed in small tourmaline aggregates. For collectors focused on pegmatitic mineralogy, elegant crystal architecture and visually interactive specimens, this piece represents a refined and highly aesthetic example of modern Afghan elbaite production. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: Although the transparency would technically permit selective faceting from individual sections, any cutting would irreversibly destroy the defining identity of the specimen: the parallel crystal architecture, the natural aggregate balance and the extraordinary interaction between light and structure. Its highest value resides in preservation as a natural crystal cluster, where morphology, transparency and optical behaviour remain fully intact and observable. This is a specimen whose beauty depends entirely on remaining exactly as nature formed it. ————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post UPS. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 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. 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