Tourmaline Var. Tri-Color Elbaite

This was by far the best crystal from a large lot of over a kilo of Tourmaline from this unique location. I acquired the lot from a high-end dealer who preriodically had to buy material to keep certain miners fed, in an area where he was speculating a "major" piece may be found (think $50k+). In the lot most were bi-colored, but a few were tri-colored. Tri-Colored Tourmalines are exceedingly rare. This one is orangy-red to a clear-blue, to a green and finally black (so technically four color zones!). It weighs 27 grams. there are two crystals that have grown together (the termination lifts "up" at one side). This mining area never came into any meaningful production, and this piece remains one of, if not the best example found. Originally found in 2007, sold to Steve Dowell and recently reacquired with his entire collection.