This is a small dark Green Tourmaline crystal. It has some Mica on its side where it was attached to the host rock. In normal light it looks like Black Tourmaline. It is not. The crystal needs strong light to see its green nature. It was sourced in Afghanistan for Rocks and Things by our partner, Lawrence Riaz.
Elbaite is a complex lithium-rich borosilicate mineral. Elbaite usually forms as heavily-striated elongated rods or prismatic crystals. Elbaite can be any colour of the rainbow, and crystals can be multi-coloured. Black is rare.
Location: Afghanistan, Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Pakistan, US
