Known to the mineral collecting world as “blue cap” tourmaline, these thick crystals are prized for their signature blue tops that are unique to the Tourmaline Queen mine in the Pala district of San Diego, California. This specimen is exceptional because of the cranberry color throughout, save for its prized blue termination, which is fully formed and therefore perfectly flat, creating an excellent glassy luster immediately evident (even in this photograph). Tourmaline specimens typically go through aggressive, rigorous mining techniques, leading to many of them requiring professional repair before going to market. However, this piece is 100% unrepaired, existing in its natural state and standing vertically as though mounted on a beautiful, natural white cleavelandite “pedestal.”
