Elbaite is a colorful mineral in the tourmaline group that can have any number of colors from green, red, blue, purple, yellow, or colorless. It is named after the island of Elba in Italy, where it was first discovered in 1913. Elbaite is responsible for almost all tourmaline gemstones. There are fourteen distinct minerals in the tourmaline family with elbaite doing the heavy lifting. They are prized for the quality of its crystals and the variety and depth of its colors. It is just beautiful if you ask us.
If you want to get specific, tourmaline is a borosilicate mineral mixed with elements like aluminum, iron, lithium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium. The different chemical compositions give tourmaline its wide range of colors. For instance, traces of lithium and iron produce green tourmalines and red and green for those with manganese compositions. Radiation and other laboratory procedures can also affect the colors. The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese “tourmali” which means mixed stone.
Elbaite forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and veins in association with lepidolite, microcline, and spodumene in granite pegmatites; with andalusite and biotite in schist; and with molybdenite and cassiterite in massive hydrothermal replacement deposits.
It is commonly found in igneous rocks (rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rocks. The work igneous is derived from ignis, the Latin word for fire. Essentially that means it was formed from volcanic activity, all that heat and pressure generated something amazing.
Elbaite is 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness and is considered brittle.
Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that pink elbaite removes fear and negativity, calms the nerves, provides inspiration, and dispels grief; green elbaite is thought to promote compassion and emotional healing and help to connect with the Earth.
Elbaite is unsurpassed in beauty because of its interesting optical properties. It is pleochroic which means the gem takes on different colors when you view it in light polarized in different directions.
Tourmaline is the birthstone for October and is known as the stone of reconciliation and compassion. It radiates healing energy and inspires creativity; thus, making it popular among artists and poets. The meaning of this gem may vary based on color e.g., red enhances inner strength and wisdom while blue brings tranquility and peace.
Further, the colors also entail different protective energies. If you believe in healing crystals, you might carry black tourmaline to protect you from negative energy. Pink is considered feminine and associated with love, friendship, and compassion for humanity. The green tourmaline provides healing energy to the body and represents vitality and growth while the brown ones stand for transformation.
How to Care for Elbaite Jewelry:
Use a soft cloth and gentle soap and water to clean labradorite. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners with this stone. Follow the cleaning with a soft dry cloth should do the trick.
Try to prevent cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens from coming in contact with the stone.
Tourmaline is generally stable to light and isn’t affected by exposure to chemicals, but heat can damage a tourmaline. High heat can alter the color, and sudden temperature change (thermal shock) can cause fracturing.
Some tourmalines might have been treated to improve their color. The two most important tourmaline treatments are heating and irradiation.
Our artist friends here at Sundara Joon have been hard at work making some beautiful pieces incorporating this special stone. Check out their special jewelry for yourself.
