Perfect hexagonal crystals of violet Lepidolite in a cluster with small gem clear Tourmalines. The Tourmaline (Elbaite) is a pale pink to almost colorless and are in perfect condition as well. Even though Lepidolite is not uncommon, good crystals are surprisingly rare. These are sharp, thick and most have the flat termination faces hosting a circular zone of white microcrystalline Feldspar. Both unusual and esthetic, a choice and attractive specimen of Lepidolite crystals.
Elbaite (castellated termination)
stock #15.1-509
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Nuristan,
Afghanistan
7.1 x 5.1 x 4.4 CM (cabinet)
price: $1150
Rubellite variety Elbaite crystals in a complex cluster on contrasting matrix. The termination is a series of sharp spires and a deep recessed void that also contains spikes of Tourmaline. The Elbaite is translucent to transparent in fine condition. The matrix is also well-crystalized and overgrown with white Albite. From a find more than 10 years ago at Paprok this is quite different than the usual material seen from this famed mine. Esthetic and attractive on all sides.
Elbaite with Lepidolite and Cleavelandite
stock #22.1-608-(YL)
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Nuristan,
Afghanistan
5.2 x 2.9 x 2.4 CM (small cabinet/ large miniature)
price: $290
Fall 22
A colorful miniature to small cabinet sized Tourmaline on matrix. From the famed Paprock pegmatites, this has a gem clear Elbaite crystal with a mint green color and subtle zoning perched on a purple matrix. In excellent condition overall the main Elbaite has a perfect, sharp termination. Larger specimens that have this form and quality can be very expensive, this miniature is a very good value for an fine Gem crystal piece.
Elbaite on Lepidolite and Cleavelandite
stock #10.1-300
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Konar Province,
Afghanistan
9.9 x 8.1 x 6.7 CM (cabinet)
price: $3600
New Year 22
A striking fine Tourmaline specimen with both fine color and nice matrix contrast. The largest multicolored Elbaite is 4.5 CM long and well-isolated, free standing. All are gemmy and have glassy lustrous faces. There are several smaller crystals scattered on the matrix including a few damaged crystals some of which are partly recrystallized. The major crystals are in fine shape and are the classic gemmy Paprock type with vivid pastel coloring. The largest crystals have flat basal termination but some others are the prismatic type. The color mix of the purple and off white matrix contrasts well with the glassy pink and green Tourmaline.
Pollucite - gemmy etched crystal mass
stock #8.AE-842
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Konar Province,
Afghanistan
4.4 x 3.2 x 2.9 CM (miniature)
price: $110
Late Summer 2021
A transparent and nearly pure crystallized Pollucite that has been heavily etched. Aside from some tiny inclusions this is all Pollucite with total transparency, and curved crystal faces. Pollucite is one of the few sources of Cesium and sometimes also includes substantial amounts of Rubidium, it is an uncommon gemstone as well. The specimen is broken on the base or underside where it was attached but the visible surfaces are in fine condition and show the characteristic Pollucite structure and luster perfectly. This is just under 36 grams of gem crystal that is very lustrous in person.
Elbaite on Quartz
stock #19.1-357
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Nuristan,
Afghanistan
3.3 x 1.9 x .9 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $120
A cute thumbnail featuring a zoned Elbaite crystal 2.3 CM long. Complete, undamaged and terminated, the color is a mint pastel green. With strong magnification a tiny Hambergite crystal is seen on one face of the Tourmaline.
Elbaite- gem crystal cluster
stock #15.1-419
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Nuristan,
Afghanistan
5.2 x 1.1 x .8 CM (cabinet)
price: $800
Spring 2019
100 percent gem Tourmaline in a joined cluster of prisms having 4 separate terminations on the "top". The crystal is doubly terminated so there is a fifth termination (flat type) on the bottom. I count 4 colors in zones but two are rather small and not distinct. The whole is perfectly transparent and facet grade, there is no damage even under good magnification. This is from a major find at Paprock some years back that has since dried up. These polychrome crystals are very distinct and are immediately recognizable from that find.
Elbaite (pencil Tourmaline) on Quartz
stock #10.1-202
Paprok, Kamdesh District
Nuristan,
Afghanistan
6.8 x 5.7 x 2.6 CM (cabinet)
price: $1480
Spring 2014
A remarkable, fine small cabinet with an elegant form. A sharp, gemmy 5.7 CM long Elbaite crystal impales a quartz crystal at an angle thrusting its termination into the air. The Tourmaline shows good zoning from green to pink at the tip and has a colorless zone as well. From 2006 season mining in Paprok, there were not many like this found then and none since. The main Elbaite is in excellent condition damage-wise, the quartz is contacted on the back with some tiny broken Elbaites that are not so evident. All in all this displays very well and is a welcomed change from the "same old" esthetic of most Tourmalines!
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