HEF23-26
Elbaite with Stilbite
Paprok, Kamdesh District, Nuristan, Afghanistan
Miniature, 5.4 x 3.0 x 2.9 cm
Ex. Kurt Hefendehl
SOLD

Pure pink Elbaites from the storied Paprok mines are uncommon, at best, and highly sought-after. The combination of pink against white is amazing, here, and also unusual in the combination of species. This pair of translucent to GEMMY crystals has a superb luster with classic striations along the prism faces. The upper terminations are slightly etched, while both crystals were contacted at the base, naturally. These criss-crossing Elbaites are sheathed by a cluster of white Stilbite crystals, which are almost unheard of for Paprok. The distinctive bowtie habit is classic indicator of this species and what sets this piece apart from any tourmaline combination with feldspar or cleavelandite; and the lustrous, pearly terminations are quite attractive. A very rare combination, the lustrous, bright pink of the Elbaites set against the white of the Stilbites, along with the interesting arrangement, create a gorgeous and graceful aesthetic for this large miniature.