Goma, North Kivu, Dem. Republic of Congo
3 in tall x 1.5 in wide
What we look for in a tourmaline is color and transparency. This crystal is very distinctive in coloration and form. It also has excellent transparency. One of the most fascinating features of tourmaline is the multiple color variations within a single crystal. These changes in color are most likely due to a change in the presence of elements, such as manganese, lithium, and iron, as the crystal grows. This crystal begins with a carmine red and very quickly changes as we go up to an alternating olive and lime green. It has an excellent termination with large broad complex faces and a glass-like exterior. This natural crystal looks much like it would if it were a faceted gemstone.
Tourmaline has been mined in the Congo for at least 90 years. The region, Goma, was not a commonly known locality. It is primarily mined by artisanal miners and production began around ten years ago. Very few crystals of this quality have been found.