Elbaite

UNB-2018-0027Minerals » Silicates » Cyclosilicates

Description

Sample of bluish green, colourless and black schorl of Elbaite that is granular in form. Elbaite (Na(Mg,Fe)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4) is a multi-coloured variety of Tourmaline and is the most well-known form of Tourmaline. Elbaite varieties consist of Achorite (Colourless), Rubellite (Red and Pink), Indicolite (Light blue to bluish green), Verdelite (Green) and Watermelon Tourmaline. Lustre is vitreous and streak is white. Hardness is 7 to 7 1/2. Tourmaline usually occurs as long or short prismatic crystals that commonly have a rounded cross section with striations along the length of the crystal faces. Tourmaline can also be radiating, columnar or compact.

Specifications

Object name	Elbaite
ID	UNB-2018-0027
Legal status	Permanent collection
Category	Mineral
Classification	Mineral group: Silicates Sub-group: Cyclosilicates
Composition	BaTiSi3O9 (Mg,Fe)2Al3(Si5AlO18) (Ca,Fe,Mg)3Al2BO3Si4O12(OH) Be3Al2(Si6O18) Be3Al2(Si6O18) Na(Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 Na15Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)3Zr3Si25O733(CO3) (Ca,Na)19(Al,Mg,Fe)13(SiO4)10(Si2O7)4(OH,F,O)10 (Na,Ca)(Fe,Mg,Li,Al)3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ A(D3)G6(T6O18)(BO3)3X3Z
Origin	Newry, Maine, U.S.A.
Pieces	1
Partial	No
Measurements	3.1cm x 9cm x 4.8cm

Map of Origin

Publications

Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.