Elbaite (Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄) is the lithium-bearing end-member of the tourmaline group and the species responsible for the iconic gem-color tourmalines. Different trace elements produce strikingly different varieties: rubellite (red-pink, manganese), indicolite (blue, iron), verdelite (green, iron+chrome), watermelon (zoned pink-green), and Paraíba (electric blue-green, copper). Elbaite is named for Elba, Italy — its type locality.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 7–7.5 — durable for gem use.
- Trigonal symmetry; signature triangular cross-section visible at terminations.
- Long prismatic crystals with vertical striations.
- Strong piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.
- Color zoning across crystal length is common — a single crystal may transition through 3+ colors.
Notable Localities
Minas Gerais (Brazil), Pala District (California), and the Paraíba mines (Brazil) produce world-class material. China has minor pegmatite occurrences in Xinjiang and Yunnan, primarily companion to Schorl.
Found at these Localities
- Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (巴西东部伟晶岩省)
- Skardu / Shigar Valley (斯卡都/希加尔峡谷)
- Madagascar Pegmatites (Sahatany / Antsirabe) (马达加斯加伟晶岩区)
- Yunnan (云南)
- Italian Volcanic Province (Vesuvius / Lipari / Etna) (意大利火山矿物产地)
