Paraiba tourmaline
Varietyof Elbaite
Paraiba tourmaline is vividly blue-to-green copper-bearing elbaite tourmaline. As a variety of Elbaite, it shares that species' composition (Na(Al1.5Li1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)), crystal structure, and hardness; the distinction is the appearance defined above.
About Elbaite
Full reference data — crystallography, X-ray diffraction, and cited physical properties — is on the Elbaite species page.
| Formula | Na(Al1.5Li1.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
|---|---|
| Density (calculated) | 3.152 |
| Crystal system | trigonal |
| Streak | white |