Elbaite Tourmaline: Santa Rosa mine, Itambacuri, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Description

A beautiful large, very gemmy rubellite tourmaline with intense magenta to pale blue color-zoning from old finds in the late 1960s at the famous Santa Rosa mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Weighing 181 grams, this large rubellite crystal has intense cranberry color and gemmy areas (including a deep red gemmy core) which would likely yield fine stones to 3-5 ct or more. Also great as a collection piece. From the collection of notes Brazilian-Lithuanian explorer and gem dealer Sasha Siemel (1890-1970). A rare classic with wonderful color. Annette Slade photo.