This Santa Rosa Tourmaline exhibits some of the best green color I have seen in a Tourmaline, which explains why so many of them were cut into gems back in the day: Gemstones fed the local economy and minerals and crystals in natural shape were a hindrance, and seldom a quick conversion to money. Relatively few gem quality crystals were saved from the cutters until recent years. The entire crystal is gem and transparent with only minor internal wisps of horizontal fracture inclusions. The bottom third of the crystal is a rich teal green that sharply transitions to a saturated dark emerald green all the way to the top of a perfectly formed pyramidal termination. This is not one of those green Tourmalines that needs backlighting! The rich green color is obvious even in ambient lighting. It has the quintessential striations parallel to its length and a super glassy luster from top to bottom. This is as choice a piece from this locality as you can ask for in the size range, from finds at the Santa Rosa perhaps 30-40 years or more ago. From a famous, well known gem crystal collection of an Italian collector, sold off quietly a few years ago.