Tourmaline var. Liddicoatite, Polished slice, Madagascar

A beautiful polished slice of rare Liddicoatite Tourmaline from it's type locality in Anjanabonoina, Madagascar. The interior growth triangles seen when back-lit are typical of these rare and highly prized crystals. Liddicoatite is the Ca-Li-Al endmember of the Elbaite series.

Tourmaline is a complex silicate of boron and aluminum, whose composition varies widely because of substitutions. The general formula is Na(Mg, Fe)3Al6(Bo3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4. The name is from the Singhalese touramilli "mixed colored stones" in reference to the various, multi-colors it occurs in. Liddicoatite is named for Richard T. Liddicoat (1918-2003), gemologist and one-time president of the Gemological Institute of America.

Measures 3.4 x 3.3 x 0.2 centimeters.

Tourmaline var. Liddicoatite, Polished slice, Madagascar
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  • Item #: Liddicoatite1-10-1
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Price $80.00
Availability In-Stock