Home Tourmaline (Elbaite) Tourmaline with Topaz and Lepidolite - Gem-Quality Pink Paprok Masterpiece

Tourmaline with Topaz and Lepidolite - Gem-Quality Pink Paprok Masterpiece

Specifications

Origin: Paprok, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan
Dimensions: 13.5 × 07 × 07 cm
Weight: 262 g

Description

An elegant and highly refined large-cabinet specimen showcasing a superbly gemmy pink tourmaline crystal dramatically rising from a richly textured matrix of lepidolite and associated topaz. This is classic Paprok material—celebrated worldwide for producing some of the most lustrous and transparent elbaite crystals known. The tourmaline crystal stands prominently at 13.5 cm overall specimen height, forming a tall, sharply terminated prism with exceptional vertical striations along its faces. The color is a vibrant rose-pink with subtle internal zoning, transitioning delicately in places toward lighter, almost pastel tones near the upper sections. The transparency is outstanding: the crystal displays remarkable gemminess, with light penetrating deeply and reflecting internally in flashes of vivid pink brilliance. The luster is bright and vitreous, particularly along the crisp prism faces and clean termination, where the polish-like surface enhances its optical performance. Notably, the crystal is well-balanced and proportioned, rising confidently from its matrix without appearing crowded or visually heavy. Small natural growth features along the prism faces add character while preserving overall aesthetic harmony. The base is composed of softly shimmering lepidolite in lavender to silvery-lilac hues, forming a rounded, textural mound that contrasts beautifully with the sleek, glassy tourmaline above. Subtle topaz crystals are intergrown within the matrix, contributing additional clarity and mineralogical interest. The interplay between the mica’s satiny sheen and the tourmaline’s high luster creates a compelling visual contrast—soft versus sharp, matte versus glassy. Paprok remains one of the most prestigious pegmatite localities in Afghanistan, known for producing elite tourmalines of extraordinary quality. Specimens combining size, gem clarity, strong luster, and complementary mineral associations such as this are increasingly scarce. This specimen exemplifies the hallmarks of top-tier Afghan pegmatite material: saturated color, exceptional gemminess, and striking vertical form. The harmonious association with lepidolite and topaz elevates it from a single-crystal display to a complete pegmatitic composition—an impressive and sophisticated addition to any advanced tourmaline collection.

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