Nov 14, 2013 · This raspberry-and mint-colored tourmaline—nicknamed the “Steamboat”—is one of the world’s finest and most valuable mineral specimens. Photo by Duncan Pay © GIA, courtesy The Smithsonian Institution http://geogallery.si.edu. “Born of fluid, heat, and pressure, minerals and gems dazzle us with their breathtaking colors, shapes, and diversity.”

The Steamboat Tourmaline is a world-famous specimen of elbaite tourmaline, a variety of tourmaline that is known for its vibrant colors. At nearly a foot tall this pair of red tourmaline crystals with green tips is one of the jewels in the crown of the Smithsonian mineral collection.

Jan 15, 2013 · The amazing Steamboat Tourmaline is housed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. The Steamboat Tourmaline is one of the best tourmaline specimens from the Tourmaline King Mine in San Diego, California.

Feb 3, 2024 · Madagascar is one of the most famous locations for finding high-quality liddicoatite, where it’s often discovered in large, well-formed specimens. Meanwhile, in the USA, California and Maine have some occurrences of liddicoatite, though they are less common.

Jul 1, 2024 · Several famous tourmaline specimens and collections have gained recognition for their exceptional beauty and rarity. Here are a few notable examples: The Empress Dowager Necklace : This renowned necklace features a strand of large, polished pink tourmaline beads.

Mar 23, 2023 · Famous Tourmaline Specimens. Some of the most famous Tourmaline specimens are found in Brazil, which is renowned for producing high-quality and vibrantly colored crystals. The Brazilian “Paraiba Tourmaline” is particularly sought after due to its striking neon blue hue, a result of copper impurities.

Dec 17, 2023 · Well-formed aesthetic and colorful crystals of tourmalines belong to highly prized specimens among mineral collectors. The prices are so high that some mines turn profit solely from mining collectible specimens.

Sep 16, 2021 · Tourmaline is a favorite of mineral collectors, gemstone collectors, and anyone who loves colorful semiprecious gemstone jewelry. It is often found in transparent crystals that have bright colors and are large enough for display, …

From rich reds to pastel pinks and peach colors, intense emerald greens to vivid yellows and deep blues, the breadth of this gem’s color range is unrivalled. Brazilian discoveries in the 1980s and 1990s heightened tourmaline’s appeal by bringing intense new hues to the marketplace.

Oct 15, 2023 · Tourmaline is very popular and there are a ton of reasons why. For one, there are so many different varieties with each one having unique colors. Now take into consideration the crystal structure and you have yourself a world-class specimen for collectors to go after.