Elbaite Tourmaline – Slender Bi-Color Prism with Pale Cap and Razor Termination, Dara-e-Pech Classic

Ex. Gene Meieran Collection A refined and elegant single-crystal specimen of Elbaite Tourmaline, exemplifying the classic Afghan aesthetic of saturated green bodies transitioning into delicately toned terminations. This slender, vertically elongated prism displays exceptional proportionality, with sharply defined edges and finely etched longitudinal striations that run uninterrupted along its length. The lower two-thirds of the crystal exhibit a rich, deep evergreen coloration, moderately transparent with subtle internal veils and growth features that lend depth without diminishing visual clarity. As the eye travels upward, the color softens progressively into a pale, slightly yellow-green to near-colorless zone, culminating in a crisp, sharply faceted termination. This gentle color transition is highly characteristic of Dara-e-Pech material and contributes to the specimen’s refined visual balance. The termination itself is particularly noteworthy—well-centered, symmetrical, and glassy, with a faint “frosted” appearance in areas due to minute internal textures and micro-inclusions near the apex. The upper section shows a slightly splayed or expanded geometry, adding subtle complexity to an otherwise clean and uninterrupted crystal habit. The luster across the prism faces is bright and vitreous, enhanced by the precision of the striations which create a dynamic interplay with light. Minor natural inclusions and internal features are present, consistent with older material, and support the attribution to production likely dating to the 1990s or earlier—a period known for yielding some of the most aesthetically pleasing Afghan tourmalines. https://vimeo.com/1154827831