Tourmaline Var. Tri-color Blue Cap
sold- Locality
- Sapo Mine, Goibiera, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Dimensions
- 5.5 x 3.25 x 1.7 cm
- Size class
- Small Cabinet
- SID
- TOURM36
The Tri-Colored Blue Cap Sapo Tourmaline is a modern classic.
The pocket was found around 1996 at the sapo (means "Toad" in portugeuse) mine in Brazil. Boldly colored three zone tourmalines are a
rare occurence. Also, blue cap tourmalines are highly valued, particularly after Bill Larson's famous find in Pala, California. This tourmaline a
bold red rubellite for 60% of it, then a rich yellow band and finally a true Blue cap. It has three smaller "sidecar," crystals attached to the side.
They are fully terminated. The crystal is in great condition, without damage except for only three tiny chips below the termination (pictured),
that don't interrupt the flat top perimeter. These little chips are very common on these Sapo tourmalines as the brazilian's are notoriously hard
on crystals (these were shoveled into bags back in the day). Overall it is a great example of one of these special, classic tourmalines that
have become hard to find on the market place.