Elbaite

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Elbaite
File:Elbaite-Quartz-169388.jpg
Elbaite on Quartz
General
Category [[Mineral categories|Tourmaline group]]
Formula Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4
Strunz classification [[Strunz classification|]]
Dana classification [[Dana classification|]]
Crystal system [[Crystal system|]]
Crystal class
Color Multicolored, including pink, red, green, blue, and colorless
Physical properties
Cleavage Indistinct
Mohs scale hardness
Luster Vitreous
Streak White
Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity
Optical properties
Refractive index
Crystal habit
Other characteristics

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This template is designed for use on pages related to minerals, providing a standardized format to display essential information about various mineral properties. It includes fields for the mineral's name, image, category, formula, classifications (Strunz and Dana), crystal system and class, color, and various physical properties such as cleavage, hardness, luster, streak, diaphaneity, specific gravity, optical properties, refractive index, crystal habit, and other characteristics. Users can fill in the relevant information for each mineral, ensuring a consistent and informative presentation across the wiki's mineral-related articles.

Elbaite is a sodium lithium aluminium borosilicate mineral belonging to the tourmaline group. It is one of the most colorful and well-known members of the tourmaline family, prized for its wide range of colors and its use as a gemstone. Elbaite is named after the island of Elba, Italy, where it was first discovered.

Crystal Structure and Composition[edit | edit source]

Elbaite crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, forming prismatic crystals that are often vertically striated. The general chemical formula for elbaite is Na(Li1.5Al1.5)Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4. This formula highlights the presence of sodium (Na), lithium (Li), and aluminium (Al) as key components, along with boron (B), silicon (Si), and hydroxide (OH).

Physical Properties[edit | edit source]

Elbaite exhibits a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in jewelry. It has a vitreous luster and a white streak. The mineral is brittle with an uneven to conchoidal fracture and indistinct cleavage.

Optical Properties[edit | edit source]

Elbaite is uniaxial negative with strong pleochroism, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. This property, combined with its vibrant colors, makes it highly desirable for gemstone cutting.

Color Variations[edit | edit source]

Elbaite is renowned for its wide range of colors, which include:

  • Rubellite: Pink to red
  • Indicolite: Blue
  • Verdelite: Green
  • Achroite: Colorless
  • Watermelon tourmaline: Pink center with a green outer layer

The color variations are due to trace elements such as iron, manganese, and chromium.

Occurrence and Localities[edit | edit source]

Elbaite is found in pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks. Notable localities include the island of Elba in Italy, Minas Gerais in Brazil, and the state of Maine in the United States.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Elbaite is primarily used as a gemstone. Its vibrant colors and durability make it popular in rings, necklaces, and other forms of jewelry. It is also of interest to mineral collectors due to its aesthetic crystal forms.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:Tourmaline group

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD