Elbaite (Tourmaline) with Cleavelandite and Tantalite-Columbite Paprok, Kamdesh District, Nuristan, Afghanistan 13.0 x 5.1...

Elbaite (Tourmaline) with Cleavelandite and Tantalite-Columbite Paprok, Kamdesh District, Nuristan, Afghanistan 13.0 x 5.1 x 4.6 cm (5.12 x 2.01 x 1.81 in) Interesting combination specimen from the famous pegmatites of Paprok primarily consisting of a sizable, terminated Elbaite crystal accompanied by a rounded Cleavelandite cluster, and small cloisters of sharply formed Tantalite-Columbite crystals. Despite its rugged texture, the Elbaite is very well-formed all around and has a vitreous luster that takes full advantage of its heavily striated crystal faces. Most of the crystal is a very dark shade of green that becomes somewhat brighter and more transparent towards its complex, etched terminations. The better examples of Tantalite-Columbite in this specimen are presented in a compact booklet in the lower half of the display, resting directly atop the Elbaite's surface. Each has a darker, metallic grey color with subtle tinges of burgundy along the corners of the larger crystals. Relatively minor crystals of Elbaite and Quartz are distributed along the contrasting groups of Cleavelandite. From the collection of John Warn [AFG1850c]. HID09710052018 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice