Robust gem crystal of hambergite from the Malkhan pegmatite field in Russia. The lightly striated crystal displays a silky to pearly luster and has a very pale pinkish tan tone. Amidst all of the tourmaline being produced in recent years, this old-timer is testament to the great accessory minerals that have been recovered from the pegmatites there. Hambergite is an uncommon beryllium borate. This piece was in the collection of the Carnegie Museum. Ex. Carnegie Museum collection with label along with an early Arkenstone label noting the La Jolla, California location (when I was in grad school at UCSD in the mid 1990's!).