SM21-215
Elbaite Tourmaline
Palelni Mine, Molo Village, Momeik, Kyaukme, Shan State, Myanmar (Burma)
Small Cabinet, 6.5 x 6.0 x 5.3 cm
Ex. William (Bill) Larson
SOLD

These "mushroom" Tourmalines from finds of the late 1990s and early 2000s have become a classic from Myanmar and are admired for their luscious red-pink color and organic shape, and remain unique in the world. This very aesthetic piece consists of a cluster of several pointed mushroom Elbaite Tourmaline caps displaying a triangular outline. The underside and stalks of the crystals reveal a core of black Schorl Tourmaline within each of the crystals from earlier in its interesting and clearly very complicated growth history. There are at least eight Tourmaline crystals with their respective caps, that make up this piece. The lovely Elbaite caps have a satin luster and the Schorl portion has a glassy luster. The piece is in perfect condition (unusual for this material!) with no damage, and exhibits nice three-dimensional form with numerous, translucent white Quartz crystal scattered around the periphery of the Tourmaline crystals and these really provide a great accent. From the MOST well known and historic Burma Minerals collection, that of Bill ("Burma Bill") Larson of Fallbrook, California. Bill is a well-known gem and mineral dealer as well as a miner and collector. Bill traveled the world for decades in search of fine gems and minerals, and was directly involved in the in-person acquisition and importation of superb specimens and stones from Myanmar (Burma). You can read his biography at https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/larsonwilliam-f/