A superlative, totally gem Rubellite Tourmaline crystal from the Komo pegmatites of western Nigeria. These famous finds mostly went to the gem trade, for cutting! This splendid Elbaite measures 3 cm in length, is lightly striated and imbued with a saturated and uniform rose-cranberry color. It has a barely discernible, very thin, greenish cap with a complex termination...beautiful! A robust weight is 61 carats. This piece is accompanied by labels indicating it was part of the African Thumbnail Treasures Special Exhibit from the Munich Show in 2012, where world class thumbnails were gathered together and exhibited from multiple owners by invitation/request from the case organizers Jim Houran and Alex Schauss. Pieces like this were specifically sought after, and uniquely represented their famous finds. It is a significant thumbnail gem tourmaline specimen. ex James Zigras collection.